Why Timber Cladding is a Good Choice for Schools and Universities
When it comes to refurbishing or rebuilding an educational building, the choice of materials you use can have a significant impact on the school environment, influencing the atmosphere of the entire campus.
At NORclad, we have worked on a variety of projects in the educational sector, transforming primary schools and universities across the UK with timber cladding solutions.
In this blog, our experts explore why timber cladding is the ideal choice for creating positive and inspiring learning spaces, highlighting the numerous benefits, from its aesthetic appeal to its insulation properties.
Appealing Aesthetic and Versatile Designs
One of the most significant benefits of using timber cladding for building exteriors is its attractive appearance and design versatility.
At NORclad, our timber panels are available in a range of species including:
- Siberian Larch
- Canadian Western Red Cedar
- European Redwood
- Oak
While these species are often chosen for their strong and durable properties, they also lend an aesthetic appeal due to their natural colour. A number of looks can be achieved, from warm brown to silvery grey and even bright vibrant red.
Another factor that can influence the appearance of your timber cladding is the cladding profile. The ‘profile’ refers to the way the board is installed, either horizontally or vertically.
There are numerous profiles to choose from depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve.
In recent years, the trend in the refurbishment or rebuilding of schools, particularly those constructed post-war, or in the 1960s, has shifted towards embracing a modern and sleek contemporary aesthetic.
Timber cladding profiles can help achieve this. For example, the straight lines of a flat or smooth profile provide a clean and minimalist appearance.
Alternatively, square edge or shiplap profiles create a contemporary and uniform façade with subtle shadows for visual interest.
For tailored advice about which species of wood or cladding profile would best suit your educational building project, get in touch with a member of our team today.
The Practical Advantages of Timber Cladding
A growing trend in the UK educational sector is prioritising sustainable practices for the design and construction of schools. Sustainable designs often lead to long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption, as well as lower maintenance costs.
Beyond aesthetics, timber cladding provides practical advantages, particularly in insulation. The natural properties of timber make it an excellent insulator, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. Not only does this create a comfortable learning environment but it also contributes to energy efficiency.
As a renewable source, the use of timber also helps to improve efforts towards environmental responsibility. At NORclad, we support sustainable forestry practices, supplying cladding with either FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody Certification, ensuring all of our timber products are from legal sources.
Effortless Maintenance
Another factor that makes timber cladding an attractive building material is its low maintenance.
Certain wood species have naturally resilient properties, minimising the need for extensive upkeep. For example, Canadian Western Red Cedar naturally resists decay, and Siberian Larch, despite being a softwood has a high-density structure, making it naturally resistant to damage from knocks or scratches.
In the event of damage or wear, the modular design of timber cladding means you can easily replace individual panels, reducing repair costs and ensuring classes remain uninterrupted.
To enhance longevity, proactive treatments can be applied before installation. These treatments act as a protective layer, shielding timber panels from issues like rot, fungus and exposure to the elements.
How can Timber Cladding be Implemented in School and University Buildings?
Timber cladding can be implemented variously to enhance the overall design of an educational building. Here are some examples:
Exterior Façade
Perhaps the most common use of timber cladding as a building material is to create striking exterior façades, which has become a popular trend in modern architecture.
Incorporating modern and minimalist designs for a school building reduces visual clutter, and creates a focused and calming atmosphere, ideal for learning.
Entrance Features
Alongside exterior façades, timber cladding can also be used to highlight the entrance of a school, creating a focal point to welcome students and visitors. This can be enhanced with lighting and landscaping.
Another feature that can be incorporated into timber-clad entrances or doorways is timber canopies or overhangs, providing areas of shelter.
Exterior Timber Cladding Solutions from NORclad
With a project as important as the remodelling or rebuilding of an educational building, you need to be confident that you have selected the right materials.
As specialists in the timber cladding industry with extensive experience in the education sector, we understand the unique requirements of school architecture.
Based in the South West of England, NORclad operates throughout the UK, ensuring timely supply for your educational building project.
For more information about our services, or to receive a free, no-obligation quote, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.
