Master Oak takes centre stage in architect self-designed home
Project details
Location: TorontoCountry: Canada
Sector: Residential
Architect: Studio Lau Architects
Photographer: Nanne Springer
Light, warmth and Master Oak’s charm
Lau’s family home, a project she named ‘Mars House’, is a thoughtfully crafted residence in the Toronto suburbs, tailored for a small family. The split-level design includes an impressive 18-foot ceiling that accommodates a basketball court – a request from her husband – but it’s Master Oak (light natural) that truly steals the spotlight. The melamine and HPL panels infuse the home with warmth and character through their rich, natural wood tones. This way, the design strikes a perfect balance between sleek, contemporary lines and a cosy, inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect sanctuary for family life.
A modern touch with a welcoming feel
It was the first time for Lau to work with Master Oak in her designs: “I really wanted a contemporary home, that feels warm and welcoming at the same time. As an architect, I would normally gravitate towards real wood or veneer to offset the clean and minimal lines.” However, cost was a big factor for Lau: “Finished veneer is expensive, and if I were to finish it myself it would be hard to get the exact colour I wanted.” This meant she had to explore other options.
Many visitors to our home have been amazed how realistic Master Oak looks. No-one believes it’s not real wood."
Outshining solid wood
Lau was so impressed with Master Oak that the material became a main character in her home, shaping the atmosphere of all spaces: “We’ve used it throughout the entire house to tie everything together. But I would say it’s most present in the kitchen and dining area, where it really stands out in the long banks of storage. As the high amount of storage space in the house would require a lot of millwork, Master Oak was a more cost-effective choice than rift white oak.
”After experiencing all the perks of Master Oak, it’s hard to justify using real wood for future projects, says Lau: “If you take everything into account – the cost, the durability, the aesthetics – it’s a no-brainer to choose Master Oak over solid wood. I’m so glad I’ve discovered this material, and the newest decors in the Master Oak collection have already given me plenty of ideas!”
Panels used in this project:
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Master Oak light natural
- 0H915 Master Oak (V2A)
