World Record Breaker Celebrates Rapid Construction Using John Brash Thermowood Cladding

A new technology centre with 21st century teaching facilities was recently completed at Loughborough College, using Thermowood cladding from John Brash. The official opening ceremony was carried out by Richard Noble OBE, the world land speed record breaker.

The Thermowood cladding was used on the external vertical walls of the £5m state of the art development to create an attractive and well insulated building that fitted in with its landscaped surroundings.

It was fitting that the world’s fastest person on land, Richard Noble OBE, officially opened the new technology centre because timber cladding is well known for being quick and easy to fit, hence reducing construction time.

Thermowood is a unique and high performance cladding product from Finland, manufactured from European Redwood timber that has been treated to a high temperature to reduce sap and resin levels.

The process enhances the life expectancy of the product, which can offer a 30-year service life, because it renders the heartwood and sapwood equally durable.

The designers of Loughborough College wanted to use as natural a product as possible and one that could stand the test of time. Thermowood cladding met this requirement because no chemicals are used in its creation. The product is produced using a high temperature heat process which penetrates to the core of the timber, driving out moisture and resin. The kilns used to heat the timber use recycled wood material as fuel. The result is a timber with a reduced moisture content that has enhanced physical properties, as well as a richer warmer colour. Thermowood cladding lasts up to five times longer than untreated boards, which will ensure the new technology centre has a long and low maintenance life.

Construction of the new technology centre was carried out by Sol Construction. Kevin Driver, Commercial Manager, explains: 'We had used timber cladding before but this was one of the first projects where our team installed Thermowood. It is an amazingly lightweight and strong material and we have had so many comments on how good it looked, even as we were fixing it in place!'

The architects involved on the project presented various designs to the decision team at Loughborough College. Eventually it was agreed that a timber clad construction would fit in best with the immediate surroundings, as well as offering a more environmentally sustainable build. As Bob Brookes, Deputy Principle, explains: 'The new cladding fits in perfectly with the landscaped externals and it creates an ideal contrast to the state of the art equipment that we use to teach the students.'

John Brash carries stock of four Thermowood profiles that are offered with a machined and finely sawn finish. The company also offers a range of Western Red Cedar Cladding, along with a variety of other timber specie.

For more information on John Brash Thermowood Cladding, along with all other timber cladding products, contact John Brash on 01427 675588 or visit the website at http://www.johnbrash.co.uk