Thermory in Exterior Design: Cladding

Residential homes: elevating modern living with natural beauty

Timber cladding brings timeless warmth and modern sophistication to residential architecture, making it a favorite for homeowners and architects seeking both beauty and long-term performance. Its natural wood tones complement a wide variety of architectural styles from minimalist Scandinavian designs to contemporary coastal homes and everything in between. 

Thermally modified wood offers design flexibility that allows for creative expression. Vertical or horizontal installations, mixed-width profiles, and varying color treatments give architects the freedom to craft unique facades that reflect the homeowner’s vision. Whether used across the entire exterior or as an accent feature, it creates striking curb appeal that evolves beautifully over time. 

Beyond aesthetics, thermowood’s durability ensures that homeowners can enjoy their facade for decades with minimal upkeep. Its natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture makes it well-suited for a variety of climates from harsh winters to humid coastal environments. 

Tiny homes and compact living: maximizing beauty in small spaces

As the demand for sustainable, minimalist living grows, tiny homes and compact residential designs are gaining popularity worldwide.

Thermally modified wood cladding is an ideal choice for these small-scale builds, offering durability, beauty, and design versatility that fit the ethos of tiny living. The natural wood tones create warmth and character, helping small footprints feel inviting rather than cramped.

Discover five cozy forest cabins made with Thermory thermowood

Apartment buildings & residential developments: natural appeal at scale 

As urban populations grow together with the pressure to minimize construction industry’s emissions, architects and developers are increasingly turning to wood cladding for large-scale residential projects. 

For architects, thermowood provides design flexibility whether it’s used for full facades, accent elements, or integrated with other materials like concrete, metal, or glass. Its natural warmth helps soften large structures, creating a sense of human scale and visual interest even in densely populated environments. 

From the developer’s perspective, thermally modified timber offers long-term value. Its resistance to moisture, decay, and UV exposure ensures that building exteriors retain their beauty with minimal maintenance costs over the years – a key consideration for property management and long-term asset performance. 

Commercial buildings: durable elegance for offices and retail 

In the commercial sector, facade design is an essential part of brand identity. Thermally modified wood offers a sophisticated, sustainable solution that communicates quality, environmental responsibility, and design-forward thinking. 

For office buildings, thermowood cladding can break the monotony of glass-heavy corporate structures, introducing natural elements that enhance the working environment and present a progressive, human-centered company image. Its durability ensures that the building maintains its refined appearance for years, with minimal upkeep. 

In retail environments, facade aesthetics play a critical role in customer experience. Thermally modified wood creates an inviting storefront that communicates warmth and authenticity. Whether it’s a boutique shop or a large shopping center, this natural timber provides a memorable visual identity that helps brands stand out in competitive retail spaces. 

Hospitality: creating memorable guest experiences 

In hospitality design, first impressions are everything. Thermowood cladding helps set the tone for the guest experience from the moment of arrival. Its organic warmth instantly communicates comfort, luxury, and connection to nature — values that today’s discerning travelers increasingly seek. 

For hotels and resorts, thermally modified wood enables seamless integration with natural surroundings, whether nestled in forested landscapes, perched along coastal cliffs, or set in urban environments. Its ability to resist moisture and decay makes it perfectly suited for outdoor applications such as balconies, entrance facades, pool areas, and rooftop terraces. 

Restaurants and cafés use thermowood to create cozy, inviting atmospheres that draw patrons in, while providing durability for high-traffic areas exposed to weather and seasonal fluctuations. Facades, outdoor dining enclosures, and patio areas benefit from the material’s ability to retain its beauty with minimal maintenance. 

Saunas and spas: natural performance for humid environments

Few building types demand as much from their materials as saunas and spas where constant exposure to heat, humidity, and moisture is part of daily operation. Thermowood is exceptionally well-suited for these environments, offering both functional performance and calming natural beauty.

The wood’s dimensional stability ensures it maintains its shape and appearance despite frequent and extreme shifts in temperature and humidity. Its smooth surface stays comfortable to the touch.

Spas and wellness facilities often feature a seamless flow between indoor relaxation areas and outdoor pools, terraces, and lounges. Thermally modified timber allows designers to create a unified aesthetic throughout the entire property.

Public buildings: natural beauty meets community spaces 

Public architecture demands materials that are accessible, inviting, and enduring. Thermally modified wood meets these needs while offering design flexibility that enhances community engagement and visual appeal. 

Libraries, museums, and cultural centers benefit from this timber’s warm, natural appearance that fosters a sense of belonging and comfort for visitors. The tactile quality of wood softens large-scale public buildings, making them feel more approachable and connected to their surroundings. 

Municipal buildings, community centers, and other public spaces often serve as focal points for towns and cities. With thermowood cladding, these structures can provide architectural excellence while offering functionality that stands up to daily public use and diverse weather conditions. 

Educational buildings: durable and welcoming learning environments 

In modern school design, creating safe, inspiring, and sustainable learning environments is a top priority. Thermally modified wood offers architects and school developers a natural, durable material that supports both functional needs and aesthetic goals. 

From kindergartens and primary schools to universities and research centers, thermowood’s warm tones create inviting exteriors that feel approachable and nurturing for students of all ages. Its natural finish helps soften institutional buildings, while still delivering a modern, professional appearance. 

Beyond aesthetics, thermally modified timber offers excellent performance. Its resistance to moisture, insects, and decay makes it a low-maintenance option for schools that must balance tight operational budgets with long-term performance. Additionally, its chemical-free modification process aligns with sustainability goals often set by public and private educational institutions.