The exciting new development at the heart of Croydon, Saffron Square is set to change the face of the London Borough.

The Project

Saffron Square will comprise 5 low rise blocks complemented by a 43 story high rise tower to mark the landscape. The development will include apartments and suites, retail and leisure space all around a central courtyard. The low rise elements of the project make the most of London living with communal roof gardens.

Privacy screens and vent enclosures manufactured from yellow balau were chosen to blend with the decked outdoor space. This unusual timber was specified for its high density and durability, without the need for a finish adding to it. The yellow balau will naturally weather and ‘silver-off’ with the rest of the timber.

Meeting the Challenges

Soundcraft was chosen to manufacture and supply both the screens and vents. Due to the high density of the timber, manufacturing tests were required. 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 innovative thinking on the use of this timber, often used for heavy structural work, by design consultant HTA made the manufacture as straightforward as possible and the project communication has made this project a pleasure to work on” says Will Jones, Project Manager at Soundcraft.

 Summary

“It is a very large but simple job for us. Will continues “The screens were made in our workshop, palletised and sent on site. It is a really success for us; the screens on the first three areas complete look great. We are looking forward to seeing the finished project, especially on the 43 floor tower block that will offer residents a 360 degree view from the roof terrace!”

To find out more about designing innovative screen solutions for your project please contact the technical helpline on 0800 988 1875