Client: Kielder Observatory
Architect: Charles Barclay Architects
Type of works: supply of Vincent Timber's FSC-certified Siberian Larch cladding.
Vincent Timber’s Siberian Larch has been fixed to the impressive timber-built observatory at Kielder Water and Forest Park – home to two brilliantly strong telescopes, 2.2m and 2.5m high. A prime site for Europe’s newest stargazing facility, minimal light pollution means that Kielder has the darkest night skies in England. The state-of-the-art observatory is being used by specialist astronomers and scientists to reveal the mysteries of time and space.
Designed by London-based Charles Barclay Architects, the Kielder Observatory is the result of a flagship project for Northumberland and they needed a stable and strong wood that would still look good in twenty years time.
Offering a life expectancy in excess of 45 years, Vincent Timber supplied 280m2 of Siberian Larch half lap cladding and around 400m2 of Siberian Larch planned all round.
FSC Siberian Larch is both environmentally friendly and visually stunning. The perfect choice for the observatory, which is very exposed to the elements, it boasts long life durability and exceptional impact resistance. It offers the architect, specifi er and building owner an excellent, cost effective, yet hard wearing alternative to more traditional timber cladding products. Siberian Larch grows extremely slowly, thus forming its highly dense and durable properties.
One of the many natural timbers increasingly being specified by environmentally-conscious architects, Siberian Larch is as tough and long-lasting as Oak obtained from sustainable resources. It is also available as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, with full chain of custody.
The timber was fire retardant protected with Arch Timber Protection’s proven treatment, NON-COM® Exterior. This has provided the timber with the necessary Class 0 spread of flame protection, while retaining the natural beauty of the Siberian Larch. The leach-resistant NON-COM® Exterior treatment ensures an effective fire protection for the design life of the cladding material.