The oldest wooden building in the word is in Japan.

Known as the Horyu-ji temple, it was founded in 607AD by Prince Shotoku, who pioneered the early promotion of Buddhism on the island.

Consisting of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures, the temple is the perfect example of just how low-maintenance and long-surviving wood can be.

As long as you choose the right wood, that is.

Take beach homes, for example.

Evoking a sense of pleasure and leisure while the water laps at your feet, the reality is that the moisture, salt air, rain and heat hammer down on your favourite spot 365 days of the year.

If you don’t maintain it diligently, that could mean serious trouble.

So what do you do, and what do you need to know?

Well, when you start to build you need to begin with classic coastal materials that increase longevity and add beauty to your beach house. Ideal choices would be materials that are natural, durable and textured to blend effortlessly into the seaside environment.

There is no other material that says natural like timber. Used since ancient times, wood as a construction material has plenty going for it. It is lightweight compared to stone and concrete, and exceptionally strong once treated to remove moisture.

It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used as support structures and for cladding, screens, walkways, stairways, window and door frames, pergolas, plant boxes and decks.

Naturally, top of our list is locally sourced and produced Rhino Wood. It is eco-friendly, sustainable, non-toxic and durable, but the best news for the beach house owner is that it’s super low maintenance.

In other words, exactly what’s needed to keep your beach house looking great all year round.

The unique beauty of Rhino Wood lies in its innovative patented process that gives fast-growing softwoods, like South African pine, similar and at times even enhanced characteristics of the most durable and rarest hardwoods.

The process naturally and speedily modifies South African pine into sustainable ‘hardwood’ through the use of an ever-expanding range of technologies.

Rhino Wood also offers a slip-free brushed texture finish that adds safety to beauty. Plus there’s no need to stain to maintain because, over time, the timber weathers beautifully into a gorgeous grey patina.

Because everyone loves a good infographic, here are five reasons why you’ll want to choose Rhino Wood for future-concious real wood: