Timber Project: Halls of residence - Cranfield

Features

• Steel framing, insulation, membranes and cladding
• Western red cedar panels and louvres
• Concealed fixing details
• Precise horizontal and vertical alignment of slats
• Prefabricated cladding panels
• All timber from accredited sustainable sources

Cranfield University’s halls of residence are made up of five separate accommodation blocks. BCL delivered a complete weatherproofing solution, including steel framing, insulation, membranes and cladding.
This accommodation for students has a striking external appearance and plays a role in attracting new students to this prestige campus.

The design featured plain prefabricated timber panels as well as decorative louvred panels providing sun-screening; the panels were assembled off-site and designed for precise vertical and horizontal alignment when installed. This also reduced the on-site installation schedule thus minimising the impact on other contractors. Concealed fixing details used in the panels adds to the visual impact of the buildings, and the absence of external fixings of the timber ensures uniform natural weathering and optimum durability. As in every BCL contract, all timber was from accredited sustainable sources.