The beauty and function of wood soffits in contemporary architecture

What is an exterior soffit? 

An exterior soffit is the horizontal surface that bridges the gap between the exterior wall and the edge of the roofline. It also applies to the underside of other overhangs such as porches or balconies, where the same protective and aesthetic functions are needed. 

It conceals roof rafters, shields the structure from weather, and helps ventilate the attic or roof cavity. Without soffits, buildings are left vulnerable to moisture, pests, and structural damage. 

But soffits do more than protect — they frame the building’s silhouette. By covering raw construction elements with a refined material, they give the exterior a polished and intentional finish. 

Why soffits matter as a design feature

Traditionally, soffits were considered a purely functional part of construction, often made from plain, inexpensive materials and designed to go unnoticed. That has changed. In contemporary architecture, soffits are increasingly being used as a canvas for creative expression. 

Extending natural wood to eaves, ceilings, and balcony undersides creates a sense of flow that unifies the entire exterior. A wood soffit can visually elongate a roofline, emphasize architectural geometry, or add warmth and texture to minimalist designs.  

Wood’s natural grain, depth, and warmth add a tactile quality that synthetic alternatives cannot replicate. With the right material, soffits can transform from an overlooked detail into a defining design statement. 

Choosing the right wood for soffits? 

The choice of material is critical for soffits. They must endure exposure to the elements while maintaining their beauty with minimal upkeep. That’s why thermally modified wood is an ideal solution. 

At Thermory, we offer four thermally modified species that combine aesthetic variety with outstanding performance: 

Thermo-ash

A high-performance hardwood with a rich chocolate-brown tone. Thermo-ash offers exceptional dimensional stability and resistance to rot.

Thermo-pine

Thermally modified pine delivers a classic natural look and provides long-lasting durability, outperforming untreated softwoods.

Thermo-spruce

A rustic look with excellent durability – spruce is a Nordic favourite for a reason. The light tone and knotty look provide a sense of texture.

What makes thermally modified wood special? The process uses only heat and steam — no chemicals — to transform the structure of the wood. This makes it: 

• Lightweight and easy to handle 

• Simple to cut on site 

• Uniform in color for a consistent look 

• Durable and rot resistant 

• Low maintenance, needing little ongoing care 

By combining these qualities, Thermory wood soffits deliver both beauty and practicality, without compromise. 

How to install wood soffits? 

Practical installation is just as important as performance and aesthetics. Thermory products are designed with ease of installation in mind. Depending on the chosen profile, soffits can be installed with: 

• Screws – the most straightforward option for visible fixing. 

• Hidden clips – allowing for a clean and seamless appearance. 

• PaCS® system – an innovative press-and-click solution for faster, more precise installation with no visible screws. 

These options give contractors the flexibility to choose the best method for the project, while ensuring the finished soffit looks polished and professional. 

Thermowood Cladding Installation & Care