This project showcases the beautiful transformation achieved through the thoughtful use of cedar cladding and structural oak elements. Our team was tasked with providing expert guidance and installation for this unique design, and here’s a closer look at the process:
Enhancing the Exterior with Cedar Cladding: The first step involved installing a framework of 50 x 25mm cross-section timber battens directly onto the building structure across three elevations. This batten system creates a crucial air gap behind the cladding, promoting ventilation and preventing moisture build-up. We then meticulously installed the cedar boards, ensuring a flawless finish around existing windows and doors using a secret fix. This method conceals the fasteners, creating a clean and uninterrupted visual appeal. The entire cladding installation adhered strictly to the client’s planning approval, guaranteeing a project that seamlessly integrated with the surrounding environment.
Strengthening the Canopy with Oak: To ensure the existing canopy remained secure during the renovation, temporary steel supports were strategically placed before the removal of the original columns. Following this, concrete bases were meticulously prepared to accommodate the steel base plates for the new oak columns. With the aid of mechanical lifting equipment, the substantial oak purlin, the horizontal beam supporting the canopy’s weight, was carefully positioned. Finally, the oak columns were meticulously placed and secured at the top using a classic and time-tested technique – a mortise and tenon joint. This joint features a protruding tongue (tenon) on the column that fits snugly into a corresponding recess (mortise) on the purlin, ensuring a strong and stable connection. An additional locating peg further reinforces the joint. To complete the installation, the base of each column was securely bolted to the concrete foundation via the pre-installed steel base plate. Only after confirming the complete stability of the new supports were the temporary steel props removed.
The finished project exemplifies the perfect marriage of aesthetics and functionality. The cedar cladding not only adds a touch of warmth and natural beauty to the building’s exterior but also provides excellent weather resistance. The robust oak columns and purlin, meanwhile, guarantee enduring support for the canopy above. This transformation demonstrates the power of combining high-quality materials with expert craftsmanship to create a space that’s both visually appealing and structurally sound.
