The installation of BCL timber slat panels is complete at Pembroke College, Cambridge. This project has just been nominated for a prestigious Wood Award in the Education & Public Sector category – which recognises, encourages and promotes outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using timber.
The redevelopment of the Mill Lane site has included a new residential court and restoration of several historically significant buildings. Originally founded in 1347, Pembroke College is the only surviving Cambridge College to still be on its original site. The new and existing buildings provide graduate accommodation, teaching spaces and publicly accessible facilities including a gallery and a performance venue – and now, updated with warmth and organic timber finish using BCL wood ceilings.
We have installed over 500 sqm timber slat ceiling panels utilising our most popular timber profile of 44 x 19mm in GiB certified Ash throughout the site. The Grown in Britian (GiB) certification is not only a commitment to sustainably sourced timber but also significantly reduces carbon emissions by minimising transportation distances and maximising carbon offsetting through the use of domestically grown timber.
The slatted design of our acoustic timber panels not only adds a modern touch to the historic college but also improves sound quality within the space, achieving a Class C acoustic performance (ISO 11654) effectively reducing echo in the hallways. This ensures a quieter and more comfortable environment whilst navigating the building. The ceilings also meet the Class B-s2,d0 fire classification as per EN13501-1, ensuring safety and compliance with fire regulations.
Additionally, at the request of Cocksedge Building Contractors, we have incorporated bespoke access panels to facilitate easy maintenance of the mechanical and electrical systems within the ceiling void. This prefabrication and full integration of services and access, ensures that the infrastructure remains accessible for future servicing needs and is a key feature of BCL wood panels for large commercial projects.
In response to the growing need for safer indoor environments, we have also incorporated anti-viral fabric, contributing to safer spaces within the college. This innovative feature unique to BCL helps reduce the risk of viral transmission amongst students and staff.
For this project BCL Timber Projects provided end-to-end delivery, including installation, offering more assurance and less risk for the main contractor. This comprehensive approach ensured that the project was completed on time and to the highest standards, minimising disruptions and ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
