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West Drayton's New Leisure Centre Design

 

BCL have been awarded another contract, this time by Buckingham Group, to deliver 1600sqm of timber slat ceilings and wooden slatted walls, employing our ground breaking new acoustic timber panel system in PPC coated Aluminium faux wood slats, fully tested in accordance with EN13501-1 – allowing the creation of incredibly realistic non-combustible wood finishes for large commercial projects.

The project will also feature acoustic wood panels in solid FSC certified Thermo-Pine, taking full advantage of BCL’s design-flexibility for slatted panel systems – and helping to lower overall carbon footprint of the building.


BCL Wooden Ceilings at West Drayton

The new leisure centre design at West Drayton has been designed to be a modern and sustainable hub for the local community, offering a range of facilities and amenities for all ages and abilities and the use of BCL wood slatted panels brings warmth and character to this much needed refurb of the original 1960s building, which no longer meets the demands of the growing population in the area.

Architects impression of West Drayton Leisure Centre

The project was approved by the council in 2020, includes a 25-metre swimming pool, a learner pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a sports hall, a fitness studio, a café, and other amenities, which will use BCL acoustic wood panels in a combination of configurations, providing varying acoustic performance from Class C up to Class A in accordance with BS EN ISO 11654. The design also incorporates sustainable features, such as a green roof, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems, to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions as well as our sustainably sourced wooden ceilings.

To find out more about BCL’s slatted timber ceilings or wooden wall panels, please contact us directly on 01189 344 155 or alternatively email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fire Performance of Timber Wall Panels: An Overview

 

When it comes to major construction projects, using high-quality materials is essential to ensure the safety and durability of the structure. The best way to be sure of this is by using tried, tested and certified products.

Our pre-tested wooden panels for wooden slatted walls are specially designed to meet the requirements of the European Standard EN1350-1, which ensures that they meet strict quality and safety standards in relation to fire performance.

EN13501-1 uses a classification system based on a combination of fire resistance, smoke production, and flaming droplets/particles. The results of the tests are used to classify materials into different Euroclasses ranging from A1 (non-combustible) to F (materials that have no classifiable performance).

This means that when using our timber slatted walls, builders and contractors can be assured of their compliance with regulations and fire safety, reducing the risk of fire-related injuries and fatalities.


Bicester Progress

Aside from compliance and safety, using BCL's acoustic timber walls can also help reduce waste in construction projects. This is because our wood panelling is manufactured to precise specifications, which means that there is little to no material waste during the manufacturing process. Additionally, because they are pre-tested and meet strict quality standards, there is less likelihood of material waste during the construction process due to the need for rework or replacement.

Another advantage of using BCL's timber cladding system is that we are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This means that the timber used in these slatted panels comes from responsibly managed forests, and that the entire production process is environmentally sustainable.

Finally, using BCL's wood cladding panels offer designers and builders a great deal of flexibility when it comes to design. These timber slat panels come in a range of sizes and finishes, allowing for creative freedom and the ability to tailor the design to the specific needs of the project.

In conclusion, using BCL's EN1350-1 pre-tested slatted timber panels for major construction projects is an excellent choice for architects, contractors, and stakeholders alike. These wood slat panels offer compliance and safety assurances, waste reduction, FSC certification, and design flexibility. By choosing our wood panelling, you will ensure that their projects meet high-quality standards while also promoting sustainability and creativity.

For more information on how you can incorporate BCL’s many benefits into your next project, please contact us today on 01189 344 155.

Progress at Graven Hill Primary School

 

We are pleased to report that great progress is being made on the external timber panels at Graven Hill Primary School. The team has been working hard to ensure that the wooden cladding system is installed to the highest standard, and we are delighted with the results so far.

We are using thermowood PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified timber. PEFC certification ensures that the timber has been responsibly sourced from well-managed forests and is therefore environmentally and socially sustainable. In addition to its sustainable sourcing, thermowood has a number of inherent properties that make it an ideal material for use in external applications.

Thermowood is a type of softwood that has been thermally modified. This process involves heating the wood to high temperatures, which changes its chemical structure and makes it more stable and resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage. Thermowood is also less susceptible to warping and splitting than untreated wood, making it an ideal species for use in exterior timber cladding systems.

Bicester Progress

By using secret fixings in our timber slat panels, which are hidden from view, the surface of the timber remains intact, preventing moisture ingress and promoting better weathering. When timber is penetrated by screws or nails, it creates a pathway for moisture to enter, which can lead to rot and decay over time. This would be particularly problematic in external applications where the timber is exposed to the elements and moisture levels can fluctuate dramatically.

In addition to the practical advantages of secret fixings, there are also aesthetic benefits to consider. By avoiding surface penetrations in the timber cladding panel, the timber retains its natural appearance, free from unsightly screwheads.

For more information on how you can incorporate BCL’s many benefits into your next project, please contact us today on 01189 344 155.

A Closer Look at 8 Bishopsgate

 

One of the many benefits of BCL’s timber panel system at the prestigious '8 Bishopsgate' development in London is the reduction in on-site waste. This is made possible through the utilisation of flexible timber slat panel sizes and prefabrication. By customising the panel sizes to fit the specific dimensions of the project, waste generation has been minimised and the overall efficiency of the installation process has been improved.

As well as playing a vital role in reducing waste, having the acoustic wood panels manufactured off-site ensured precise measurements and quality control, further reducing the need for adjustments and waste that would have been generated during installation.

Prefabrication also contributed to faster installation times and reduced labour costs. As the panels have been manufactured to fit the exact dimensions of the site, the need for on-site cutting and alterations has been significantly reduced.

The Class C acoustic rating of our wooden slatted panelling is a testament to their effectiveness in controlling sound transmission and reducing unwanted noise. This quality is particularly significant in an open-plan reception environment, where maintaining a welcoming, comfortable and productive atmosphere is of utmost importance. The wood slat panels at '8 Bishopsgate' effectively absorb sound, preventing echo and reverberation creating a comfortable and acoustically balanced space for occupants and visitors.

BCL Acoustic Timber Panelled Ceiling at 8 Bishopsgate

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that the wood used in the construction of these panels is sourced from responsibly managed forests, contributing to the overall reduction of the project's environmental impact. This not only aligns with the growing demand for sustainable building materials but also helps Lend Lease meet their corporate social responsibility goals.

Furthermore, the use of Sweet Chestnut as the species for the wood ceiling at 8 Bishopsgate adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the space. This durable and visually appealing wood species complements the modern design aesthetic.

In conclusion, the implementation of FSC certified Class C acoustic rated timber slat panel in Sweet Chestnut by BCL at '8 Bishopsgate' highlights the advantages of using sustainable and high-performance building solutions. The combination of superior acoustic performance, reduced on-site waste, and an elegant aesthetic makes these wooden slatted panels and timber slat walls a valuable addition to the modern commercial space. By incorporating these eco-friendly and effective materials, '8 Bishopsgate' fosters a comfortable and productive environment while also promoting responsible and sustainable building practices.

For more information on how you can incorporate BCL’s wood slat ceilings many benefits into your next project, please contact us today on 01189 344 155.