Colchester Hospital

To address increased staff parking demand, Berry Systems was tasked with designing, supplying, and installing timber and fire-resistant cladding for the expansion of an existing staff car park via a single-level parking deck.

The project required careful consideration of a boundary constraint on one elevation.

Berry Systems specified products that met both the client’s and contractor’s requirements while adhering to the project budget.

The chosen products included Scandinavian Redwood Grade A Vertical Timber Fins (45x95mm), secondary steelwork connected to the structural frame, and Eurobond Rainspan 125mm composite panels.

For the installation, Berry Systems managed over 1,000 sqm of cladding, including nearly 3,000 linear meters of timber across the car park elevations. Partnering with Norclad, we provided Brunnea-treated Redwood with fire treatment to Euroclass B-S1-D0 standards, supported by a 30-year warranty.

On the south elevation, where boundary distance restrictions were in place, Eurobond Rainspan panels were used to ensure 30-minute fire resistance. This allowed for the seamless installation of timber fins on the exterior while maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

The proximity of the car park to the hospital building on the southern boundary required a fire-resistant panel solution to meet safety regulations.

Through collaboration with our team, suppliers, and the contractor, we developed and approved a design using Eurobond Rainspan panels, which facilitated the attachment of timber fins while ensuring both safety and visual continuity.

Our early involvement enabled us to recommend cost-effective and compliant products that met the project’s specifications and budget.

Despite the active hospital environment, our experienced site team completed the project with no disruptions, ensuring that parking operations continued uninterrupted.

Over 1,500 vertical timber fins were installed across all elevations, creating a visually cohesive and functional design.