Natural cladding perfect for new hot tub shack

Rachel and Stephen Symms, based in Dorset, wanted a bespoke shack with a hot tub installed in their garden, so the whole family could enjoy the lighter nights and warmer days during the summer months.

A professional landscaper and owner at Urban Alfresco, Jason Sheridan was given the task of bringing Rachel and Stephen’s vision to life. He presented to them the various cladding products available on the market, and the one that really stood out for them was IRO Timber. They both loved the process involved in creating IRO, the variety of colour choices it came in and the unique natural enhanced grain appearance.

IRO architectural timber is manufactured using a seven-step process that includes charring, brushing and high pressure treatment. The result of this is a unique natural product that adds character and colour to a range of spaces, promoting a sense of wellness.

Jason said: “IRO’s aesthetic and water repellent properties meant it was the perfect product for the job. The typical British weather is known for rain and with the hot tub area being outside, the air would also be warm and damp, so I needed a product that could withstand various weather conditions.”

It was also essential for Jason to consider how IRO Timber would work visually within the existing garden landscape. This included the colour scheme, the impact it would have on the immediate environment and how it would work alongside the adjoining paving.

Inspired by the traditional Japanese method of Yakisugi, IRO is available in a range of 15 colours, from driftwood to dragon fruit, with each designed to add charm and complement an array of indoor and outdoor environments.

Jason continued: “We decided to go with natural external cladding because it best suited the natural surroundings of the garden. We wanted the cladding to serve a purpose structurally and aesthetically. The enhanced grain is striking, no matter where you are in the garden.

“As natural products are so versatile and can be incorporated into a multitude of designs, it will always be on trend no matter what time of year, so it was the best choice for us.”

Neil Horton, National Sales Director at IRO Timber, said: “IRO is a unique range that’s designed to enhance all exteriors. To see IRO continually being used in different surroundings, such as this hot tub shack, shows how adaptable and exciting the product truly is.”

As an experienced landscaper Jason paid close attention to the ease of installation, adding: “Another point which stood out to me was that I could use the CAMO fixing tool to install IRO. This hid the fixings and meant I could side fix the cladding instead of face fixing it. The whole process was made even easier and quicker and I was able to create a sleek, smooth finish.”

Manufactured in Britain from homegrown larch, IRO is high quality timber cladding solution. Coated in wood cream to enhance the product’s charred profile, IRO external cladding boasts a smooth and colourful finish. Maintenance is also simple as its water repellent and self-cleaning surface properties ensures that most dirt and dust is simply washed away.

Please click here to find out more about the external cladding range or click here to contact Jason at Urban Alfresco.

Our current colour range includes Charcoal, Chestnut and Driftwood.