In August 2012 Soundcraft received an order, valued at over £200,000, from Berkeley Homes (Capital) Ltd to manufacture and supply over 60 screens, pergolas and vent enclosures for their Saffron Square, Croydon, Surrey development.
Of particular interest was the unusual species of timber that was specified for the project – yellow balau – which is often used for heavy structural work, but in this case was to be used in a less traditional and more delicate way.
Despite having a density of 980kg/m3 Yellow balau has proved, in trials, to be relatively easy to machine, producing clean profiles. ‘’ Our early doubts about using balau for such intricate work because of its density were soon dispelled during the trials’’ commented Lee Gordon, Soundcraft’s Production Manager. ‘’ This ease of machining despite the density is particularly important for our CNC manufacturing process.’’
The provenance of the timber was of especial importance as it had to be responsibly purchased. Consequently, Soundcraft approached Timbmet, a regular supplier whose commitment to sourcing legal and sustainable timber is central to its philosophy. Although not supplied under the FSC® or PEFC certification schemes, the timber was covered by the MTCC scheme allowing Timbmet to provide confirmation that the timber met the requisite criteria for legal and sustainable product procurement.
Deliveries of the screens and other items, which are being left ‘in the white’ to weather naturally, will start in October and run through to March 2013.
