Dorado Beach condo deck, Puerto Rico

José Fernando Vázquez of hacedor:maker/arquitectos was asked to create an outdoor retreat within a very limited footprint, for a residence in Plantation Village at Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico.

Several decking options were compared. PVC was ruled out: the architect feared excessive heat build-up in the sun and found its simulated timber appearance unconvincing at a cost equivalent to real wood. Teak was also assessed, but the difficulty of obtaining documentation on responsible forestry led him to look elsewhere.

Kebony Clear was chosen, made from FSC-certified radiata pine whose cell structure is altered by the modification process. The architect cites the material's natural appearance, the way it is produced and its performance under combined sun and water exposure. After a few seasons in the Puerto Rican sun, the decking has developed the expected silver-grey patina.