Chevy Chase home, Washington DC

This century-old house in the Chevy Chase neighbourhood of Washington DC was renovated by Jonathan Kuhn Architects. The architect was looking for a natural timber cladding that could work as a rainscreen, with a controlled, regular texture rather than a rustic appearance.

Kebony Clear was chosen. Jonathan Kuhn notes that constructability was decisive: the modified wood, dense and consistent, worked without special equipment and made it possible to achieve close tolerances in the detailing and assembly of the facade.

Installed as a rainscreen, the Kebony protects the wall while allowing air to circulate behind it, a principle well suited to an older building whose moisture behaviour had to be managed. The material greys naturally with no finish to reapply.