ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
The hybrid combination of timber and steel, as offsite manufactured products, ensured Eclipse was delivered on time and to budget, setting a new standard for hybrid leisure centres of the future
While timber was primarily specified for aesthetic reasons, with significant areas left exposed, this evolved into a hybrid timber-steel approach to maximise the benefits of each individual system: timber’ s visual warmth, carbon sequestration properties and prefabrication benefits were expertly balanced with steel’ s excellent structural performance.
B & K Hybrid Solutions were selected for their proven expertise in hybrid timber-steel construction, where their understanding of engineered timber’ s behaviour in challenging environments proved crucial. Working alongside GT3 Architects, structural engineer Engenuiti, and main contractor Willmott Dixon, BKHS’ s technical knowledge helped to deliver timber applications in areas typically dominated by concrete, including the lift cores, pool hall, and spectator seating. A cost analysis completed by Willmott Dixon also confirmed that a hybrid timber-steel solution could meet the council’ s budget, without sacrificing the desired aesthetic or performance requirements.
BKHS delivered over 2,195m ³ of precisionmanufactured, PEFC-certified engineered timber, comprising 127m ³ of glulam and 2,067m ³ of Stora Enso Cross Laminated Timber( CLT). Critical to the project’ s success was BKHS’ rigorous moisture management strategy. Regular moisture readings were taken throughout the construction phase, with comprehensive procedures such as the application of end grain sealant and removal of standing water ensuring timber integrity. All joints were meticulously sealed to achieve Passivhaus levels of airtightness, which are 95 % better than standard building regulations.
The visual-grade timber panels eliminated the need for additional finishes, reducing both material use and long-term maintenance requirements. Factorycontrolled manufacturing ensured consistent quality and precise tolerances, while pre-installed lifting devices and protective treatments accelerated on site installation.
“ The hybrid combination of timber and steel, as offsite manufactured products, ensured Eclipse was delivered on time and to budget, setting a new standard for hybrid leisure centres of the future,” Alex Brock at BKHS comments.“ The solution also enabled remarkable performance achievements in both airtightness and energy efficiency. The timber structure sequestered 1,668 tonnes of CO 2e, while a wholelife carbon assessment showed a 12.97 % reduction in embodied carbon compared to a composite steel alternative. The building achieves airtightness of 0.4 m ³/ hr / m ² at 50pa and targets operational energy consumption of just 120 kWh / m ²/ year.”
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