The requirement for environmentally responsible building materials was a key driver in the specification of Finnforest’s Thermowood-D for The Titanic Quarter in Belfast, the largest water front development in Europe.
Finnforest’s Thermowood was specified as an exterior cladding material for the balconies of the 474 apartments, and for decking within the communal Podium Garden.
“The aesthetics of natural wood makes the general environment more inviting and improves the feel of the building for people using it,” said Stephen Miskelly from Robinson McIlwaine.
The product's strength and durability was also a key factor in the specification. The production process of Thermowood reduces moisture content and is designed to improve the stability of the product versus standard softwood.
“This point was a major selling factor for us,” continued Mr Miskelly. “We have had problems on past projects where resins have leaked from other timber cladding products, making the exterior unsightly. This benefit, teamed with Thermowood’s warm, rich colour, guarantees the exterior will continue to look appealing for years to come, and requires very little maintenance to preserve its aesthetics.”
For the Titanic Quarter project, there was also a need to source a reliable material that was cost effective on a large scale. “From a cost and installation point of view, Thermowood offered best value considering the scale of the project. We also found the cladding easy to install, even at height, and just as simple to cut to the required size,” said Mr Miskelly.
The apartments have been rated ‘Good to Very Good’ on the Ecohomes standard. All Finnforest Thermowood is sourced from PEFC certified forests and carries independently audited chain of custody accreditation, providing peace of mind to both specifiers and their clients.
