Churchill College, Cambridge – Douglas Fir Cladding

Stunning British Douglas Fir cladding for Churchill College at The University of Cambridge

It is always great to be involved in interesting and prestigious projects, and this was one that certainly deserves a mention.

One of our clients, the excellent architectural practice - Cottrell & Vermeulen - wanted advice on internal and external timber cladding. This was for a new building, Churchill College, at The University of Cambridge. They originally wanted Canadian Douglas Fir, but we suggested using homegrown, British Douglas Fir cladding. This choice has a lower carbon footprint and is sourced from a local well-managed Sussex woodland. After supplying samples, Cottrell & Vermeulen decided to proceed with English Douglas Fir cladding.

The bespoke Douglas Fir cladding was milled at our workshop. As it had to be fire treated, it needed to be dry enough to accept the treatment. We ensured the moisture content of the timber was at the correct level to allow the successful treatment to be carried out by UK specialist PTG Treatments. Once the timber had been treated, the work on installation began. We think the finished building looks spectacular! The project was shortlisted for an Architects Journal Award in November 2019 in the 'Higher Education' category.

The college was opened on 27th September 2019, and these are some of the images of the finished building.