Leading science park development features Hunter Douglas ceiling

Never has the phrase “the sky is the limit” been more apt for Hunter Douglas, the international leader in architectural building products, after it supplied a ceiling for a new campus building adjoining the Met Office’s new supercomputer hall.

The Global Environmental Futures (GEF) campus, part of the Exeter Science Park, is the new hub for environmental science businesses and for organisations that focus on climate change and sustainable futures.

Standing next to the building that houses part of the Met Office’s supercomputer, the new campus building is a 2790m² complex, complete with high-spec offices and open-plan meeting spaces.

Hunter Douglas Architectural has played its part in this dynamic and exciting development by manufacturing a 900m² solid wood, linear open system for the ceiling and walls in the main first floor open-plan meeting areas.

As delivery architect for the project, Stride Treglown was briefed to find a timber solution and Hunter Douglas’ high-quality wood linear product fitted that specification.

“The building façade leans at a 60˚angle and the timber ceiling complements the external roof overhang,” said a spokesman for the architect’s practice. “The environmental performance of the site was an important factor on the project, and to achieve the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, it was important all materials specified contributed to this.”

David Harris, General Manager of Hunter Douglas Architectural UK, said: “As soon as we saw the section drawings of the building it was clear that the design and specification would create an amazing internal space and we are not disappointed now the project is complete.”

The open solid wood linear system comprised 116mm-wide solid Western Red Cedar panels with a 19mm gap to create a 135mm module. The gaps between the panels were closed off using a black non-woven acoustic fleece to maximise acoustic absorption and create a quiet working environment.

The panels were finished on three sides with UV resistant varnish and were also fire treated, ensuring that the ceiling achieved European fire class B-S2-D0 – the highest classification available for wood products.

Hunter Douglas worked closely with installation team at CAP Ceilings & Partitions Ltd, which completed the fitting to a first-class standard.

Gary Rice, director at CAP Ceilings & Partitions Ltd, which is based in Exeter, said: “We were very impressed with the Hunter Douglas ceiling system and found the support from the technical team at the design, procurement and installation stages very smooth. The end result is striking and it is the perfect complement to the overall design of the building.”

Hunter Douglas prides itself on using the finest quality wood for all its ceiling systems, using the latest computer-controlled machinery and closest supervision to ensure a product of the highest quality.

Exeter Science Park is a growing hub in the south west, which is now recognised as the main location for science and technology businesses in the region.