Churchill College, Cambridge – Cladding

Stunning homegrown Douglas Fir cladding for the University of Cambridge

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

One of our clients, the excellent architectural practice - Cottrell & Vermeulen wanted advice on cladding. This was for a new building at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. They considered Canadian Douglas Fir, but we suggested using homegrown Douglas Fir, which 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 and the project started.

The Douglas Fir cladding, was for both internal and external use. It had to be fire treated, so needed to be dry enough to accept the treatment This was provided by UK specialist PTG Treatments. The finished project looks spectacular. So much so that it has been 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.