When the University of Wales Trinity St David wanted to create an appealing space for students at their Lampeter campus, as part of their bicentenary celebrations, they came to J&E Woodworks. J&E Woodworks worked with Premier Forest Products to create somewhere students could go and relax, taking time out from university life.
J&E Woodworks manufactures purpose made bespoke joinery from their base in Lampeter. This project involved the building of a permanent pagoda structure, planters and benches, using Douglas Fir and Larch.
Douglas Fir was used for the pagoda and larch on the planters and benches. As it will be walked on in places, the larch was planed and grooves were added for grip.
All the materials used also needed to be durable as they are permanently exposed to the elements.
Moderately dense and hardwearing, Douglas Fir is known for its strength, durability and longevity, which made it perfect for this particular project. Here it was machined to a vertical shadow gap profile and fitted untreated, which is possible thanks to its high-resin content making it resilient.
Stephen Denning, J&E Woodworks said, “When we started planning the student chillout zone, we knew that creating a visually appealing space was key to Lampeter’s brief. The Douglas Fir was fitted untreated and has turned out really well. Everything looks great and we’ve had lots of compliments on it.”
Gavin Williams, Premier Forest Products said, “It is always a pleasure to work with companies like J&E Woodworks to make creative projects like this a reality. We really enjoy having a brief where we can suggest products that will have the biggest visual impact as well as being tough wearing.”
