At UK Hardwoods, we’ve always believed that wood has the power to do more than just shape homes. It can also shape communities. That’s why we’re so proud to have supplied the sustainable cladding for the Community Roots Project, a scheme designed not only to create beautiful buildings, but to bring people together.
Sustainable Cladding
The project is centred around a shared vision: building spaces that feel connected to their environment and grounded in their landscape. The choice of sustainable cladding was a natural step in this journey. By using locally grown, fully traceable timber, we ensured that the building materials reflect the community’s ethos of care for the land and respect for future generations.
British Craftsmanship
Our cladding is crafted from British hardwoods, grown and felled responsibly under the Grown in Britain certification. This means every board used on the project can be traced back to its source — a woodland nurtured on British soil. For Community Roots, this was essential. The project is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about cultivating a sense of belonging, responsibility, and sustainability.
A Natural Choice
One of the key benefits of choosing sustainable cladding is its ability to combine function and beauty. For Community Roots, the cladding not only protects the building from the elements but also provides a striking, timeless finish. The natural grain, colour, and variation of the timber showcase the authentic beauty of British wood — perfectly imperfect, yet perfectly suited to a project that celebrates community and diversity.
Built to Last
Another advantage is longevity. Sustainable hardwood cladding, when cared for, will stand the test of time. The Community Roots building is designed to be a hub for decades to come, and the timber chosen for its exterior plays a key role in that vision. Durable, adaptable, and repairable, it ensures that this building will age gracefully alongside the people who use it.
Making an Impact
From a practical standpoint, our cladding also supports the project’s eco-conscious goals. Timber stores carbon, and when sourced locally, its carbon footprint is significantly lower than imported alternatives. By selecting sustainable cladding, the Community Roots Project not only reduced its environmental impact but also invested in British woodlands, helping to fund their ongoing care and regeneration.
Team Work
Working with Kast Architects and Warvena Construction, we tailored the cladding to suit the project’s design. 145mm wide boards, carefully milled at our sawmill in North Devon, gave the building a bold yet welcoming presence. The result is a structure that sits harmoniously in its surroundings while making a strong statement about the value of sustainability in construction.
Caring for the Planet
For us, this project is a powerful example of how sustainable cladding can be more than just a building material. It becomes a symbol — of community values, of local craftsmanship, and of a shared commitment to caring for the planet. Every time someone walks past the Community Roots building, they see not just timber boards, but the story of how a community came together to grow something lasting.
At UK Hardwoods, we’re honoured to have been part of this journey. We hope the Community Roots Project inspires others to think about the materials they choose, and to see sustainable cladding as a way to create buildings that are beautiful, durable, and kind to the earth. Because when we invest in our local woodlands and communities, we all grow stronger together.
