When TMV architects wanted to create a compact but stylish office on their plot, a SterlingOSB Zero feature wall was key to the unique design
In need of a bigger space to work from, TMV architects harnessed its own team’s design and build skills to create an office using a combination of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero and corrugated metal.
Six years ago, the fledgling practice had outgrown its annex accommodation above a garage in the home of one of its directors and “we wanted our own building; something to give us an identity and space to accommodate clients.” explains Thomas Mann, a director.
The plot was previously occupied by a disused BT repeater station building
Today, the brick repeater station building has been replaced with TMV’s new office, a simple black, single-storey metal-clad contemporary building, complete with a pitched roof to accommodate a mezzanine floor.
With the exception of two car parking spaces at the front, the new office almost fills the Cambridgeshire plot.
Energy efficient and cost effective
Budget was a major constraint regarding the new building so TMV’s design is based on a superstructure of locally-manufactured structurally insulated panels (SIPs). The panels consist of a 140mm insulating foam core sandwiched between two SterlingOSB Zero sheathing boards.
The result is a building system that is extremely strong and energy efficient. “We designed the office with a large, vaulted roof which, if built traditionally, would have required a lot of expensive steelwork. However, because vaulted roofs are relatively easy to construct using SIPS, all we needed was a couple of timber posts,” explains Mann.
The simple SIPs walls, cald in block corrugated metal sheets, rise from an insulated concrete raft foundation. The uncomplicated design meant very few contractors were needed; this allowed the practice to project manage construction. With the foundation slab cast, a single contractor assembled the SIP-walls and pitched roof. Within a week, the shell was up and wrapped in a membrane so that the building was effectively watertight.
The SterlingOSB feature wall continues the office’s modern industrial aesthetic
The SterlingOSB Zero feature wall’s textured, organic finish is given additional emphasis by the crisp white plaster used to finish the adjoining walls.
Mann says visitors often walk into the office and say ‘wow’, simply because OSB is a material they are not used to seeing in a full-height gable wall context. The SterlingOSB Zero feature wall has also been given illuminated TMV branding.
Learn more about how SterlingOSB Zero could benefit your projects
As is always the case, West Fraser’s experienced technical team is available to aid with product specification, while downloadable data sheets are available at https://uk.westfraser.com. You can also call 01786 812 921.
