BCL Timber Projects Brochure

8/8/2019 BCL Timber Projects Brochure

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BCL Timber Projects ltd The Old Byre, Oakley Farm, Pound Lane, Hurst, Berkshire RG10 0RS

Tel: 0118 934 4155Fax: 0118 934 4188

Email: [email protected]

www.bcl.org.uk


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Index

Introduction to BCL Group 1

Overview 1

The BCL approach to timber systems 1

Off-site pre-fabrication 1

Internal timber ceilings and linings 1

External timber cladding systems 1

Why wood...? 2

Sustainability 2

Chain-of-custody (COC) 2

Timber product life-cycle analysis 2

BCL policy statement on sustainability 2

Species selection 3

Timber quality 3

Timber choices 3

Components of Timber Cladding Systems 4

Structural Framing Systems 4Insulation products 4

Vapour Control Layers 4

Breather membranes 4

Fixings and support bracketry 5

Insect meshes 5

Aluminium window cills and window heads 5

Aluminium feature trims and architectural copings 5

Timber Rain-Screen Cladding 6

Rain-screen principles 6

Ventilated cavity 6

Bespoke cladding framework 6

BCL cladding systems are price-competitive 6

Off-site pre-fabrication techniques 6

Horizontal boards 6

Vertical boards 6

Diagonal boards 6

Durability 6

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk

Quality Assurance 7

Timber Treatment 8

Wood and Fire 8

Surface Fire-rated Coatings 8

Impregnation Treatment 8

Wood and Moisture 8

Decoration and appearence 8

Special products and detailing 9

Birch-veneered plywood panels 9

Glulam Beams 9

Summary 9

"...the total timber cladding service from one specialist company..."

Cover Photo: Funnel detail - National Assembly for Wales

Please contact BCL Timber Projects ltd for further detailsregarding design, technical performances, aesthetics etc; orfor advice regarding a specific project with which you arecurrently involved.

Tel: 0118 934 4155 Fax: 0118 934 4188

E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.bcl.org.uk

BCL Timber Projects are pleased to be members of TRADA subscribing to theprinciples and practices of their technical and environmental recommendationsin every aspect of the work we carry out.


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OverviewBCL Timber Projects Ltd was formed nearly tenyears ago as a division of The BCL Group to

provide a dedicated service to the highlyspecialised internal and external timber liningmarkets. A particular focus for the company is theexternal rain-screen cladding business, in whichwe have experienced strong growth in recent years.

Whilst timber has clearly been used inconstruction for centuries, its use has found newappeal and relevance due not only to its inherentbeauty and design flexibility but also crucially, toits environmental credentials.

Prestigious installations completed to date byBCL include the new Welsh Assembly Building inCardiff, The LTA National Indoor Tennis Centre atRoehampton, the All England Lawn Tennis Clubat Wimbledon, the award winning HampdenGurney School in North London and SouthBank University.

The BCL approach totimber systemsBCL has extensive in-house design resourceswith proven system solutions whilst throughour partnering arrangements with leadingindustry manufacturers we are able tointroduce the required product expertise toeach bespoke design.

By working with designers from the very earlystages of a project, BCL will ensure that thepractical system requirements are consideredand incorporated into the design withoutcompromising the design intent or the finishedappearance.

Our success has been achieved by providingclients with a unique single-source solution thatdelivers high quality, practical, affordablecladding systems to warranted standards ofperformance.

Off-site pre-fabricationOne of the key benefits of dealing with BCLTimber Projects is our extensive knowledge andexpertise of pre-fabrication techniques for timberpanel systems.

Every stage of this process - from timberselection and sourcing through to completedsystem installation - is overseen by rigorousquality control procedures designed to ensureconsistently high production standards.

In this way the accuracy of on site panelalignment and a first class appearance areguaranteed - every time.

Internal timber ceilings and liningsThe techniques developed by BCL are the resultof more than thirty years experience in the

design and installation of integrated ceilingsystems where functional considerations such asaccess, fire barriers, services integration andacoustic enhancement have all become anessential part of modern building design.

The introduction of such functionalconsiderations does not need to be at theexpense of the original design intent, whilstadditional considerations such as fireperformance and acoustic enhancement of the

space can be readily incorporated.

To fulfil the total design requirement, BCL willalso design the supporting grid system matrixthat if required, can allow the ceiling plane tofollow the geometry of an undulating buildingroofline no matter how complex.

External timber cladding systemsBy offering this total service package for thedesign, fabrication and installation of first classquality lining systems, BCL Timber Projectsenable Architects and Designers to confidently

exploit the full potential for the use of timberwithin the building envelope.

The available choice of board layouts is almostinfinite, but includes linear slats, or solid panelsthat can be set out in modular or seamlessformats or a design where the joints areexpressed as shadow gaps.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk

Introduction to BCL Group

1

"....off-site panel prefabrication produces a high level of dimensional accuracy..."

Faculty Building - Cambridge

All England Lawn Tennis Club - Wimbledon

Hampden Gurney School


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For centuries Architects and Designers havechosen to build with timber because of itsunique characteristics and everlasting appeal. Inits many forms, it is a supremely versatile naturalresource and is available in endlesscombinations of species and finishes.

There are many environmental benefits createdby the use of timber as a building material andone of its many advantages is the inherentstrength-to-weight ratio, lending itself to mostbuilding applications, whether internal orexternal, hardwood or softwood.

Sustainability As a naturally renewable resource trees require afraction of the non-renewable fossil fuels neededin the production of alternative materials such asaluminium or steel.

As trees grow they derive their energy from thesun, producing oxygen whilst simultaneouslyabsorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Furthermore, as an environmentally friendlyresource, wood has no equal. Unlike many ofthe earths other natural resources such as coalor iron ore, there is very little energy involved inits production and little or no toxic or chemicalwaste produced.

Wood remains one of natures only truly natural,renewable resources.

Chain-of-custody (COC)Chain-of-custody is the process by which anaudit trail is established to enable an individualparcel of timber to be tracked from the time itleaves the forest, through processing andmarketing channels, to the final consumer.

This enables companies to verify that a certifiedproduct has genuinely originated from acertified source.

There are in fact many certification schemes inoperation worldwide that compete for bothrecognition and revenues in the marketplace andalthough each has its own relative strengths andweaknesses, some are adapted to their owncountrys forestry circumstances, whilst othershave a broader based international framework.

Professional accreditation bodies through whomtimber can be confidently purchased as fullycompliant with the above requirements include:FSC, PEFC, SFI and CSA. Whilst somedifferences of emphasis or philosophy may stillexist between these organisations at p resenttheir respective COC schemes are in factvirtually the same.

It should be recognised that TRADA has alsorecently introduced its own BM TRADA - forestproducts certification scheme to which many ofthe leading timber supply companies in the UKhave subscribed. Its introduction providesindependent COC certification for schemes andinitiatives that are not currently recognised byeither FSC or PEFC.

Timber product life-cycle analysisWhilst certification standards and chain-of-

custody tracking ensure that timber is properlyassessed against sustainable forest managementcriteria, timber and timber products may beevaluated in the future on the basis of life-cycleanalysis.

This is an evolving process of assessment at allstages of a products life including resourceprocurement, manufacturing, construction,

service life and de-commissioning or disposal atthe end of its useful life.

This method of analysis is designed to producean enlightened view of the total environmentalimpact of timber products and processes.

BCL policy statement onsustainabilityBCL and our supply partners endeavour to useonly timber that is certified as being suppliedfrom a sustainable source, where responsibleforest management practices are adopted andwherever possible, where chain-of-custody

certification is available.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk2

Why wood?

"....Timber remains one of the planets few truly natural resources..."

National Assembly for Wales - Cardiff


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The design flexibility, durability and eventualappearance of building elevations deployingtimber cladding requires a well detailedspecification of materials to be drawn up fromthe outset with the selected species possessingall the necessary characteristics for thatparticular application.

The choice of species and timber grade areimportant for example, where usual quality is aterm relating to the frequency and size of knots,direction of grain and the surface finish i.e.planed, fine or rough sawn which, if not properlydetailed may lead to practical difficulties orlimitations during the manufacturing andassembly stages of a project.

It is also important to decide on the requiredvisual effect of the boards and how they relate toeach other. If for example a precise smooth,flush face, stained appearance is required, it is

preferable to use T & G boards with straightgrain and precise edges setting acceptable limitson the size and frequency of knots. If on theother hand a more robust appearance is

required, overlapping of sawn boards usedvertically or horizontally would be more

appropriate, where larger and more frequentknots and the occasional rough arris may beacceptable. Loose or dead knots howevershould always be excluded whatever visualquality is required.

Timber qualityThe code of reference covering the acceptabilityor otherwise of the appearance of knots intimber is BS:1186-3. This standard also setslimits on other natural characteristics of woodsuch as the acceptability of splits, shakes andchecks , the presence of resin pockets, limits ofsapwood, limits of wane, the rate of growth ofsoftwood, the slope of the grain and limits onexposed pith, decay and insect attack.

It should also be recognised that the choice oftimber species today is determined not only byits inherent technical capabilities and suitability

to do the job but also by its environmentalcredentials.

At this point reference should be made toTRADA, one of the most highly regardedorganisations within the timber industry, setting

out from a unique perspective clear guidelinescovering every aspect of the use of timber inconstruction.

TRADA embrace the wood supply chain principle from forest through to finished product in thiscase, completed cladding on the building. BMTRADAs chain of custody scheme TRADA-Trak is accredited by the Forest Stewardship

Council (FSC).

Timber choicesEach timber project has its own unique set ofpractical and aesthetic circumstances andrequirements, therefore the process for speciesselection should be carefully developed andevaluated.

There is an extremely wide range of speciesavailable to choose from, with each having itsown inherent characteristics, cost, processconsiderations and ability to meet the desiredfinal appearance of the building.

BCL Timber Projects will be pleased torecommend the most suitable species for each

application and to address all aspects of theproject with you.

Whatever species you are currently consideringusing, please choose BCL Timber Projects toreview your current requirements and allow us todemonstrate our cost-effective design solutionsand proven expertise.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk3

Species selection

"....chain of custody accreditation is now a pre-requisite for the supply of timber..."

West London Academy - Northolt

West London Academy - Northolt


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The following is an outline of the individualcomponents that go to make up the definitive,comprehensive cladding service available fromBCL Timber Projects:

Structural Framing SystemsBCL have recently established a strong supplypartnership with a leading UK manufacturer ofstructural steel framing systems.

High performance, prefabrication, speed andreduced weight are just some of the advantagesof using load-bearing stud and track profiles tobuild the inner leaf of a building. They act asintegral wind posts that support the lateral loadfrom the external skin, as well as providing a

zone for high levels of insulation and the meansof support for the internal drywall lining system.

A further benefit is that the use of steel framingenables the structure to be made watertight at amuch earlier stage in the building programmethan is possible with traditional constructionmethods.

Components are pre-fabricated off site to thecorrect length and are then positioned andassembled on site to accommodate the design,sizes and support arrangements for windows etc.

This process significantly improves installationspeed and keeps waste to an absolute minimum,thereby reducing the overall square metre costsfor all elevations of the building.

Full technical details are available to enable theselected stud sizes to precisely meet the designloading requirements for the structural openingsdesigned for each elevation of the building.

BCL will be pleased to discuss design detailingas well as installation budgets for your currentscheme requirements.

Insulation products Architects and designers are, understandably,

required to meet the increasing demand forbuildings that are designed with extremely highlevels of energy efficiency, to produce low levelsof carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emission.

A key element in achieving these levels ofperformance is to reduce the overall energylevels consumed by a building by creating agreatly enhanced thermal insulation performancethrough good design.

By working closely with many leadingmanufacturers in the insulation industry BCL areable to provide clients with access to an infinite

range of thermal insulation solutions to suit allcircumstances and budgets. This ensures thatthe required performance levels will be correctlydetermined and that the optimum productsolution is incorporated into the project designfrom the outset.

Vapour Control LayersThe vapour control layer (VCL) fulfils a number ofkey functions:

To prevent air movement through the envelope,reduce vapour transfer from the occupiedspace and to reduce heat loss by convectionthrough the structure

To prevent vapour diffusion and reducetransmission through the structure

To provide an integrated system that links thedifferent areas of construction responsibility

The external control layer (breather membrane)fulfils the following tasks:

To protect against water ingress

To reduce unnecessary air movement fromoutside to inside, so improving thermalperformance

To allow any moisture which does pass into theenvelope to dissipate safely into theatmosphere

To be UV resistant.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk4

Components of Timber Cladding Systems


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Fixings and support bracketryWith an enviable pedigree in the design ofintegrated practical support systems, BCL areable to apply proven solutions to new projectenquiries as well as continuing to innovate withnew products and methods that meet newdesign challenges.

There should be no compromise when it comesto the selection and use of mechanical fixings.Full testing is carried out on the performance ofall primary fixings and bracketry taking intoaccount the characteristics and detailing of eachproject undertaken.

This commitment and approach to excellence isavailable as standard to BCL clients throughoutall stages of the process - from design inceptionthrough manufacturing and assembly to the finalinstallation phase of the project.

Insect meshesThe construction of a building faade mayintroduce a number of cavities and mouseholes which should be closed off to prevent theingress of insects and vermin. This is achievedby incorporating a suitable open mesh into theinitial design.

Choices of mesh available range from those thathave a purely functional purpose - madetypically from black nylon coated fibreglass, tothe more expensive meshes made from stainless

steel or other metals, that enable such detailingto contribute more positively to the overallarchitectural effect of the design.

Aluminium window cills andwindow headsDue to its outstanding design attributes,aluminium has become synonymous withmodern architecture.

Once the choice of cladding system has beendetermined, the overall appearance of eachelevation is then strongly influenced by thequality of detailing introduced at the windowopenings. Clearly, each individual projectrequires bespoke product solutions, which iswhere the sheer versatility of aluminium presentsdesigners with unlimited possibilities.

BCL Timber Projects ltd have many yearsexperience in the design and manufacture ofbespoke aluminium solutions and are thereforewell placed to fully satisfy these varying designrequirements and to ensure their effectiveintegration into the overall installation.

Aluminium feature trims andarchitectural copingsThe lightweight and versatile properties ofaluminium are ideally suited for the introductionof feature trims of any size or shape to provideenhanced design expression to the cladelevation of a building.

Similarly, the introduction of simple yet elegantpre-fabricated aluminium coping systemsproduces a practical and low maintenance finishto both parapet and perimeter walls.

The many advantageous characteristics ofaluminium are further enhanced by theintroduction of finishing options which includepowder coating and anodising, both of whichenable good colour co-ordination to be achievedwith other elements on the elevation.

BCL have established supply partnerships with anumber of leading manufacturers of rainwatersystems which allow clients to confidentlyincorporate the design and installation of suchdetailing within the overall package of contractworks that we undertake.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk5

"....the versatility of

aluminium allows affordable design enhancements to be made to the faades of a building...."

Typical coping detail

Typical window head trim

Western Red Cedar


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Rain-screen principles All building elevations constructed using timbercladding must incorporate the design principlesof a rain-screen system to allow any air-bornemoisture passing through the boards orgenerated from within the structure to evaporateor drain safely away.

Ventilated cavityThe ventilated cavity behind the cladding allowsthe ambient humidity and moisture levels forboth the front and rear faces of the boards to beequally maintained.

Bespoke cladding frameworkTypically the cladding support framework willinclude a combination of treated softwood studsand battens, with bespoke aluminium profilesand adjustable brackets.

Off-site pre-fabrication techniquesConsiderable advantages exist for both clientand contractor by the introduction of BCL's pre-fabrication techniques, including improved visualappearance and a significant time reduction inthe installation programme.

Another major advantage is the ability to useconcealed fixings, thus eliminating the risk ofstaining which is associated with surface fixings.

The elements within a BCL designed claddingsystem combine to create a visually stunningfunctional installation that is quick to install andhighly competitive when compared to othersystems available on the market.

DurabilityDurability is the most important considerationwhen selecting timber species for cladding.

There are five classes of durability from verydurable to not durable (perishable) relating tothe resistance of the heartwood to attack bywood-decaying fungi.

Wood rated as moderately durable or bettercan be used without preservative treatment,whereas those species that fall below this gradeshould always be impregnated with preservativesto bring them up to the level of performancenecessary to meet the demands of an externalcladding application.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk6

Timber Rain-Screen Cladding

Male & female panel Support RailSystem

Panel joints over Tee Bar Support - plusadjustable bracket

West London Academey


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Quality AssuranceBCL has always been driven by a commitmentto Quality Assurance in order to produce highstandards of excellence throughout its operationand this continues to be a first principle of ourbusiness today.

This commitment was demonstrated more thantwenty years ago when BCL became the firstceiling contractor to register under the originalBS 5750 quality assurance scheme which laterreceived formal accreditation in 1990.

In 2004 BCL qualified under the enhanced ISO9001 (2000) quality standard and continues toimplement and develop the scheme within itsbusiness today.

Please contact BCL Timber Projects today forfree advice and assistance with your currentcladding projects and benefit from acomprehensive design, manufacture andinstallation service for Clients, Architects andContractors all from one dedicated source.

We will be pleased to hear from you.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk7

Western Red Cedar Cladding & Louvre door detail

Harefield Academy - Tatajuba cladding


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Wood and FireDespite its many qualities, wood is acombustible material and as such, like manyother building materials, is susceptible to therisks of fire.

Non combustible gases and water vapour are

produced when timber is exposed to fire and alayer of protective "char" forms on the surface.This provides inherent resistance to combustionand insulates the material against furtherdamage.

The behaviour of wood in a fire is thereforeextremely predictable with its structural integritybeing maintained for longer than many othermaterials such as steel and concrete, which areprone to buckle or collapse.

The resilience and resistance of wood whenunder attack from fire can be enhancedsignificantly by the introduction of a range ofspecialised fire retardant treatments.

Surface Fire-rated Coatings

Intumescent coatings in clear, white or colouredfinishes are available in the market and areusually water-based formulations.

Impregnation TreatmentUnlike surface coatings, this process is carriedout in a strictly controlled vacuum autoclavewhereby the timber is enclosed in an airtightchamber before being flooded with flame-retardant chemicals. Vacuum pumps then extract

the air from the fibres of the material so thatwhen the vacuum is released, the non-hygroscopic chemicals penetrate the innerstructure of the wood. A higher grade of non-combustibility is then achieved by repeating theprocess.

The impregnated products are then kiln-dried,returning the wood to a suitable level of moisturecontent and producing a stable non-hygroscopic, non-corrosive product withpermanent fire retardant properties.

Fire performance ratings to BS476 parts 6 & 7Class 0 and Class 1 can be achieved with eithertreatment method.

Wood and MoistureIf the moisture content of wood is held below22% there is no risk of of fungal attack and littlerisk of attack by insects; the typical ambienthumidity in UK does not raise the averagemoisture content of timber above 20%.

It is important to provide a ventilated cavitybehind all timber cladding to allow the air-bornemoisture to escape and reduce the risk ofdistortion.

It is also particularly important that the end grainof the wood is not exposed to the elements

Decoration and appearance As well as enhancing its aesthetic appeal, theapplication of a surface treatment to thecladding boards will significantly increase itsresistance to aging from the effects of weather

and the ultra-violet rays of the sun. A wide choice of high performance lacquered orstained finishes is available to extend the life ofthe timber and reduce ongoing maintenanceconsiderations, whilst also having a positive longterm impact on the environment.

Off-site panel prefabrication provides theopportunity for application of the surface coatingat manufacturing stage, resulting in a betterquality finish at a lower cost than the "postinstallation" alternative.

0118 934 4155 www.bcl.org.uk8

Timber Treatment

Surface coated Western red cedar

The Ark


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SummaryBCL Timber Projects design, fabricate, supplyand install a complete range of fully warrantedbespoke cladding solutions that will satisfy thefunctional, aesthetic and commercialrequirements of any project.

Please contact us for further information andallow us to contribute to the design developmentand detailing of your current cladding project.

Special products & detailing As part of our commitment to "Total claddingsolutions" BCL Timber Projects continue toundertake highly sophisticated work involvingspecialised detailing to the external envelope ofthe building.

Birch-veneered plywood panels.BCL have recently completed an impressiveceiling lining system at the new Lawn Tennis

Association Indoor Centre at Roehampton.

The highly complex shape of the roof required abespoke grid system to be designed enablingthe 15mm plywood panels to follow the ellipticalroof contours.

Glulam BeamsGlulam beams are highly engineered usingstructurally rated, seasoned timber. Choices of

species available include western red cedar andEuropean whitewood.

As well as creating curved structuresfrom laminated beams, they can be installed toprovide south-facing building elevations withbrise-soleil sun-screening.

This has been carried out to dramatic visualeffect at West London Academy, Northolt wherethe cedar glulam beams are set out in bays ofsix between blocks and perfectly complementthe cedar rain-screen cladding on the building.

Glulam beam support & cladding interface

Coated birch veneered plywood

Comprehensive design detailing in western red cedar

Documents

BCL Timber Projects Brochure