Over the past decade or so, I’ve seen a great many improvements in portable accommodation and modular buildings. The ability to clad these unprepossessing units in brick or wood has I feel, been one of the most spectacular advances.

Clad one of our units in cedar and suddenly you go from a utilitarian, practical but generally undecorative product to something that wouldn’t look out of place on Grand Designs.

Not only does it suddenly have architectural merit, but it blends into the environment and once you add a couple of bi folding doors it takes on a whole new clean, contemporary look.

We use sustainably produced Canadian Western Red Cedar which is naturally resistant to moisture so it doesn’t actually need any treatment. Instead, the wood weathers naturally into a mellow silver shade. The even grain makes it less liable to swelling, warping or twisting and it is also resistant to decay and insect damage.

This means that it is still relatively maintenance free and as the timber is sustainable, it is also environmentally friendly.

This finish is becoming increasingly popular amongst schools and education buildings or for outdoor classrooms or field centres. Home offices where the look of an office in the garden is of prime importance are also popular applications.

The end uses are endless and I hope it will continue to become a popular choice.