ThermoWood Specified For Development Project in Thremhall Park

Thremhall Park in Hertfordshire is home to a Grade II listed neo-Georgian building set in 12 acres of historic parkland. The building had previously been converted into a range of serviced offices;  combining the unique design features of a listed building, with the modern comforts we expect from twenty-first-century life.

Phase 2 of this development project saw the construction of two new office buildings; a single storey masonry built building and a two-storey steel-framed structure.

Both buildings are clad in ThermoWood; an attractive, sustainable solid wood material produced using a chemical-free natural process involving heat and steam. For the vertical elements, Silva's ThermoWood boards were selected, with the open-jointed Rainscreen profile being preferred for the horizontal aspect.

The contemporary design of the rainscreen profile, with its chamfered edges, creates strong shadow lines, which accentuate the width of the façade.

Although ThermoWood is a durable, dimensionally stable timber, architects Cowper Griffiths opted to use Silva's in house factory coating service to ensure the wood was properly protected from the elements. Applying a suitable coating to exterior wood will significantly improve its performance, longevity and appearance.

To fit with the desired contemporary appearance, Sansin's SDF Onyx was the on-trend colour specified for the project, teaming this with aluminium framed glazing of the same palette. The large glazed elements of the lower ground floor make the office space light and airy, providing stunning views of the surrounding parkland.

Images courtesy of Matthew Smith

Architects - Cowper Griffiths

Building Contractors - Gipping Construction