VTX vs NORclad Brunnea
A Timber Cladding Specification Comparison
Timber cladding remains a leading choice in UK façade design, particularly where natural materials, durability and fire compliance are central to specification.
For many years, NORclad Brunnea was specified as a ‘go to’ preservative treated European Redwood cladding system. With the sad demise of National Timber Group, and Brunnea now leaving the market, specifiers are seeking a compliant and durable alternative.
At Vincent Timber, VTX treated European Redwood provides a fully documented, pressure treated timber cladding solution designed for modern regulatory requirements.
This comparison guide compares treatment approach, durability warranty, fire certification and aesthetic performance.
Treatment Approach: Pressure Treated System
NORclad Brunnea Cladding
Brunnea was developed as a factory coloured treated timber cladding solution, which evolved with various treatment manufacturers and variations over the last 10 years. Its consistent brown tone reduced contrast at installation and delivered visual uniformity across façades.
Long term appearance, however, remained dependent on UV exposure, detailing and weather conditions, with surface colour naturally evolving over time.
VTX Pressure Treated European Redwood
VTX treated European Redwood is built around certified preservation first, with pigmentation integrated within the pressure treatment process where specified.
VTX timber cladding is designed to:
- Provide 30 year durability for out of ground contact
- Integrate pigment within the treatment system if required
- Support controlled weathering or natural greying
Where Brunnea focused on initial colour consistency, VTX centres on long term durability, compliance and specification flexibility.
30 Year Warranty and Durability Performance
Both products are based on pressure treated European Redwood suitable for external timber cladding.
VTX treated European Redwood carries a 30 year warranty against rot and fungal decay when installed out of ground contact and detailed correctly.
When specifying timber cladding, key technical considerations include:
- Preservative retention levels
- Warranty clarity
- Installation requirements
- Supporting technical documentation
Durability ratings may appear similar, but documentation scope and certification compatibility often determine suitability at tender stage.
Fire Rated Timber Cladding and EuroClass B Certification
Fire performance is now one of the most influential factors in façade material selection, and area that Vincent Timber have heavily invested time and money to be at the forefront.
VTX treated European Redwood can be supplied with pressure impregnated fire retardant treatment achieving EuroClass B to B s1 d0.
Certification confirms compatibility between:
- European Redwood substrate
- VTX preservative treatment
- Pressure impregnated fire retardant system
Unlike some systems limited to a single board profile or installation orientation, VTX fire testing covers a broader range of profiles and arrangements. This reduces redesign risk if façade details evolve during coordination.
For projects requiring fire rated timber cladding, certification scope can be as important as the classification itself.
VTX Timber Cladding Options
VTX treated European Redwood is available in two treatment options, both underpinned by the same preservative system and 30 year durability warranty.
VTX Pigmented®
VTX Pigmented® integrates brown pigments directly into the pressure treatment process.
- Moderates early weathering
- Gradual colour stabilisation
- No surface coating required
- 30 year warranty
- Compatible with fire treatment systems
This approach influences how timber matures over time rather than fixing a static surface shade.
VTX Zero®
VTX Zero® contains no added pigments and focuses purely on preservative performance.
- Natural European Redwood appearance
- Even weathering towards silver grey
- 30 year durability warranty
- Compatible with EuroClass B fire treatment
For projects embracing natural ageing, VTX Zero® offers durability and compliance without colour intervention.
Case Study: Sadler’s Mead Car Park Timber Cladding
Sadler’s Mead Car Park demonstrates how pressure treated European Redwood cladding can soften the appearance of a large scale structure while delivering long term durability.
VTX preservative treatment ensures performance, while the natural timber façade integrates with the surrounding environment.
Education Sector Application
An ongoing school development using VTX treated European Redwood highlights how timber cladding is being specified within current regulatory frameworks.
Education projects demand durability, aesthetic quality and precise certification documentation. Expanded fire testing scope and broader profile compatibility can influence material selection at this level.
VTX Zero® was selected to provide a neutral tone that allows natural timber variation while ensuring long term performance in a high use environment.
Is VTX a Suitable Alternative to NORclad Brunnea?
With NORclad Brunnea no longer widely available, VTX treated European Redwood provides a practical alternative for:
- Pigmented timber cladding projects
- Natural weathering façades
- EuroClass B fire rated applications, with full certification covering a range or profiles and arrangements
- Commercial and education schemes
- Projects requiring documented 30 year durability
At Vincent Timber, we support architects and contractors with specification advice, technical documentation and pressure treated European Redwood cladding solutions aligned to current UK building regulations.
To discuss your next timber cladding project, speak to our team.
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