This project began with RH Partnership Architects. They were commissioned via a 2 stage OJEU process for the design, specification and contract administration of a replacement, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated facility.
The Project Concept
The concept splits the project into two, low rise buildings. Both are joined visually by a low vectored wall that curves to follow the site contours; this supports a common roof plane. The additional space of the second building then projects above that plane, heralding the communal rooms and allowing natural daylight to enter mid-plan via clerestory windows.
The vastly improved facility is sustainable to run and fully embraces the beauty of its lakeside setting.
The Cladding Detail
The cladding elements of this project, whilst looking relatively simple, wasn’t without its issues. The pilasters were angled vertically and required sections of cleverly designed cladding to be manufactured into single frames on site. The sweeping nature of this build required a sense of real understanding of how cladding should be installed and it was.
The 128mm section wasn’t without its complexity, for some of the facades it had to be a 120mm with an open gap of 8mm. Whilst in others, it had to be a rebated and offset tongue and grooved arrangement.
Without this level of detail, the adjoining intersection of timber cladding wouldn’t have accurately flowed from one section to the next. To enable the cladding to achieve a sensible looking rebate, the Architect allowed a thicker Larch cladding element – 26mm rather than the standard 21mm.
Angela Taylor from Eastleigh Borough Council said. “RHP provided exceptional service. The finished building is a stunning example of contextual architecture and is wholly sympathetic to its local environment, without comprise to beauty or design. I have no hesitation in recommending RHP for future projects.”
It is to the projects benefit that the timber thickness was increased, this enhances many attributes of the timber cladding. It increased the longevity, durability, stability and also enhances the R-Value for insulation.
Exterior Solutions Ltd has been supplying timber for projects across the UK and Europe. They have a technical team to ensure the correct quality of timber is selected for each project and in the correct dimensions. They supply from a few square metres, to thousands for a single scheme and by using freshly milled timber, they ensure the best finish for every project.
Credits and Further information
| Project | Lakeside Water Centre |
|---|---|
| Location | Eastleigh, Hampshire |
| Architect | R H Partnership |
| Cladding | Larch Charred Light Brushed“Koshikijima” 甑島 – 26 x 128 |
| Larch in natural – 26 x 128 | |
| Larch in natural – 26 x 108 | |
| Completion | Winter 2016 |
| Awards | International Green Apple Environment Award |
| Civic Trust Awards 2018 Regional Finalist |
