Cladding

The third and final main external finish is now being applied to the building. After the standing seam Aluzinc and the addition of the ivory render last month, we now have timber cladding being installed to complete the facade.

Sourced locally from South Wales, the Larch timber is not only a sustainable material but also a locally grown one. Western Red Cedar was considered early in the design but this was ruled out as it would have to have been shipped in from Canada, with a significantly larger carbon footprint than the Larch.

Busy busy...

We've managed to have several visits to site over the last couple of weeks and the rate of progress is impressive with various different trades working around each other. The Mechanical and Electrical installers are busy installing ductwork, pipework and cabling, and this includes the underfloor heating pipework and manifolds, which is then being covered by a concrete screed.

The other major 'wet' trade on site now are the plasterers, who are starting to cover up the blockwork and give the walls their final smooth finish. All in all it's a busy site and despite the extensive scaffolding it's getting easier to visualise what the building will be like when it's complete.

Skylight above the Cafe