International Timber was chosen to supply timber for the build, providing a low-maintenance timber solution that would stay looking good for many years to come.
The new building includes a nursery, classrooms and a hall, all grouped around a large open atrium. It will enable an additional 190 pupils to attend the school, as well as providing an additional 56 places in the nursery.
International Timber provided Accoya, which was used for ground floor curtain walling. Accoya posts measuring 90mm thick by 375mm deep were fitted around the perimeter of the building to form floor to ceiling mullions, providing a durable, aesthetically pleasing and more sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods.
Accoya combines a long established acetylation wood modification technique with cutting edge technology to give it properties that surpass those of the best tropical hardwoods. The result of over 75 years research and development, it is manufactured using non-toxic processes and timber from well-managed, certified, sustainable sources.
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With a minimum 60 year life expectancy, backed by BRE and TRADA, Accoya is proven to be more resistant to rot, achieving the highest possible British Standard durability rating, class 1. It is less susceptible to traditional problems associated with Timber such as bow, cup and twist and is guaranteed to shrink or swell less than any other joinery timber, making it an ideal choice for windows and doors.
Lead architect Tom Wells from Scabal Architects comments: “International Timber’s expertise enabled us to provide the school with a long lasting, low maintenance and durable solution. They gave us some good advice regarding protective treatments to prevent mould growth and rot, and the Sikkens coating used meant our timber mullions offered a practical and attractive alternative to UPvC frames.”
Tony Miles, managing director for International Timber, continues: “Accoya offers a popular alternative to tropical hardwoods. It uses fast growing timber from certified sources, providing a more environmentally friendly choice. Sustainability, durability and long-term performance are key considerations when specifying timber and Accoya delivers on all these points.”
Accoya products give exceptional coatings performance and, as an approved Sikkens partner, International Timber can now offer guarantees of up to 12 years for opaque finishes and eight years for translucent finishes in joinery applications.
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