Exemplar barn conversion at Bilton Fields features 12 luxury and sustainable new homes.

Charred Kebony Cladding by Shou Sugi Ban completes BoBen Construction’s state-of-the-art development.

 Located in the heart of Warwickshire on the outskirts of historic Rugby, Bilton Fields, one of BoBen Construction’s most recent developments, is a shining example of quality, contemporary and sustainable construction. Completed with Charred Kebony timber cladding, the luxury residential development is sustainable in outlook with a unique appearance that retains its rural farmyard essence and the charm of the surrounding area without compromising on modernity.

Built using sustainable building methods, the latest technology and the highest quality products, the development’s material palette is simple but effective with zinc roofing, farmhouse brickwork and expansive glazing. Crafted with an inherent appreciation of the natural landscape, Bilton Fields reflects an ongoing commitment from BoBen Construction to meet the ever-growing consumer appetite to create architecturally distinguished homes for the modern lifestyle.

Charred Kebony Cladding by Shou Sugi Ban was selected to provide a long-lasting and attractive timber finish for the homes’ exterior. Using ancient Japanese methods, Shou Sugi Ban timber is burned to create a long-lasting product with a distressed appearance, resulting in a sleek and fragile aesthetic. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s pioneering wood-processing technique sees sustainably sourced softwoods heated with furfuryl alcohol, an agricultural by-product, modifying it to maintain the same durable properties of industrial hardwood but without the same contribution to the carbon footprint.

Designed to allow the indoor living area to extend and naturally coexist with the outdoors and woodland views, each dwelling boasts open plan internal spaces with floor to ceiling glazing surrounding all aspects of the house to create a truly light and spacious home. The properties benefit from energy efficient underfloor heating throughout, a stylish log burner, a choice of wooden flooring, tiling or carpet, as well as en-suite bathrooms to all bedrooms. A multi-purpose studio annex with separate access offers several living options whether that may be used as a home office, nursery, gym, multi-generational living or a cinema/games room. The double garage is large enough for a workshop with capabilities for an electric car charger to be installed.

Constructed through sustainable means with minimal impact to the environment, the quality of workmanship on the Bilton Fields project has been recognised by the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), who recently awarded BoBen Construction with ‘The Bricks’ certificate. Following 24-months of works, Bilton Fields successfully overcame obstacles beset to the construction industry by the coronavirus pandemic. Built across the courtyard of a former potato farm, the two-storey dwellings not only feature the aesthetics and spacious characteristics traditionally associated with rural UK properties, but also accommodate for the modern expectations of urban family life. Already, the project has proven popular, with 10 of the 12 luxury homes having been sold to new owners.

Bobbie Curley, Director at BoBen Construction, commented: “From the outset, we envisaged Bilton Fields would comprise a cluster of beautifully designed rural buildings, characteristic of a “vernacular farmstead” with low-key sustainable elements. Kebony wood by Shou Sugi Ban had a large part to play in enabling this, providing a striking exterior to our carefully crafted homes, which are sleek in appearance and sustainable in outlook. We are delighted with the final product which has already proven to be extremely popular with homebuyers.”

Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager at Kebony, added – “It is brilliant to see Kebony wood used in this new luxury residential development. In selecting Charred Kebony Cladding by Shou Sugi Ban, the Bilton Field project recognises the importance of using sustainably sourced materials which are aesthetically pleasing. The wood itself requires little maintenance, and comes with the promise of high durability and stability, making it the perfect choice for construction companies who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.