With close to 45 years design experience between them, Auckland architectural designers David Giles and Trevor Wilson of Arcreate Design Studio are true masters of the design sector. More recently both have elected to use the KLC Generation 2, MicroPro® (MCA) profiles on recent projects. And what contrasting jobs these were – from a new build that needed to assimilate with its heritage neighbours through to a freewheeling bach by the sea.  The contrasting projects demonstrate the versatility of the product while delivering on top spec modern build requirements.

KLC specialises in exterior weatherboards, fascia and finishing boards and has created a premium exterior cladding brand, Generation 2.  What makes their product extraordinary is the revolutionary timber treatment technology known as MicroPro®.  The MicroPro® treatment system is a waterborne, copper based, biocide applied to the wood using a high-pressure treatment process that results in deep penetration into the radiata pine. This timber preservative possesses unparalleled preservative properties.

David Giles chose to use the product on an inner city self-contained studio that he designed in Kingsland, Auckland, for him and his wife. David says the studio was designed for a heritage zoned area and it was important that it was sympathetic to the neighbouring heritage homes, in particular providing a complementary finish to the large bevelled back weatherboard finish traditionally associated with the era.

“We wanted a finish that would provide a long lasting quality board, fit in with the style of neighbouring homes and achieve a 6 star home rating. KLC’s Generation 2 profiles met all those criteria so that certainly helped with decision making when it came to external cladding.

“We used the Bevelback KLC230 wide product for our home and while I’m not convinced that I will be around in fifty years to see out the guarantee on the product, that guarantee was certainly appealing and I think it will be a definite selling point if, and when, we ever put the house on the market,” said David.

Trevor Wilson also selected KLC Generation 2 products for a project he completed at Mangawhai Heads on Northlands surf beach.

Trevor says his client had owned their magnificent site for many years and had temporary holiday accommodation facilities on site. The client wanted a more permanent holiday home that reflected the relaxed holiday vibe of the area. And, it was that holiday vibe that helped influence the decision to specify KLC product.

“We selected vertical profile cladding (KLC52 Vertical Shiplap 180x18 Bev Edge) to suit the form and style of the building. Our client didn’t want to spend their downtime painting and maintaining a bach, so it was an easy choice to specify Gen2. It is more stable and prolongs the life of the paint finish, thereby reducing maintenance for the owners as well as providing peace of mind,” said Trevor.

Trevor and David both say the H3.2 MicroPro® (MCA) treatment was a core consideration in selecting the weatherboard cladding as both designers look to reduce the toxic load of a building wherever possible and the Micropro® treatment contributes to achieving that goal. They also used clear and concise detailed drawings and Masterspec specification documents made available through KLC and both claim these were easy to access and use.

“We used the detailed drawings made available to architects and designers on the KLC portal as a starting point and then redrew to suit our project and style, but they’re certainly helpful and we always use the Masterspec documentation,” said Trevor.

Both Trevor and David say the finished homes look good, the builders enjoyed working with the product and they achieved optimal living through specification of the KLC product. Wins all round.