ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
COZENTON PARK SPORTS CENTRE
B & K HYBRID SOLUTIONS DELIVER SUSTAINABLE TIMBER AND STEEL HYBRID
B & K Hybrid Solutions, leading specialists in engineered timber and hybrid construction, have played a pivotal role in the creation of Cozenton Park Sports Centre; a state-of-the-art leisure facility that exemplifies sustainable and innovative design. The project, located in Rainham, Medway, replaced the aging 1990s‘ Splashes’ pool complex with an energy-efficient and aesthetically striking hybrid structure, setting a benchmark for leisure developments in the UK.
Commissioned by Medway Council as part of their commitment to delivering high-quality community facilities, the new £ 23.6 million Cozenton Park Sports Centre is designed to meet the highest energy efficiency standards. The building includes a modern fitness gym, a multi-purpose exercise studio, a main pool, and a children’ s play pool with flume and beach area, meeting both family and fitness needs for the community.
B & K Hybrid Solutions( BKHS) were appointed to manufacture and install the hybrid engineered timber and steelwork elements which underpin the facility’ s design, combining the visual appeal and natural warmth of timber with the strength of steel. Working in collaboration with specialist supply chain partners
Stora Enso for the Cross Laminated Timber( CLT) and Rubner for the glulam components, BKHS delivered a precision-engineered solution tailored to the project’ s sustainability and performance goals.
The project team, led by architects Space & Place and main contractor Willmott Dixon, prioritised offsite construction methods to optimise build quality, energy performance, and delivery schedules. The pool hall features glulam columns and beams measuring 1700 x 240mm at 5m intervals, creating a clear 26.3m span. Stainless steel flitch plates ensure structural precision, while CLT wall panels and roof decks complete the elegant environment. The adjoining two-storey building incorporates a steel frame with CLT roof panels and profiled metal decking to support the intermediate concrete floor, housing the gym and exercise studio.
BKHS’ contribution to the project was integral to achieving Medway Council’ s ambitious sustainability targets. The CLT walls and roof decks provide exceptional airtightness and thermal performance, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
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