University of Hertfordshire Prince Edward Hall

Over 1100m² of Junckers timber has been fitted at the University of Hertfordshire’s Prince Edward Hall, not just on the floors, but also on the walls and ceilings, to stunning effect. The newly built campus reception, learning zone and café area offers a welcoming, useable space where staff, students and visitors can work, relax or have a bite to eat.

The extended and re-modelled scheme takes the form of a ‘granite box’ which appears to be inserted into the existing building structure on a juxtaposing plane. Drawing on current design principles for creating new work spaces, the new addition to the university incorporates plenty of collaborative work spaces as well as informal areas to offer a range of options for when, where and how to work and relax. The interior design scheme plays an important part, using a mix of materials, where the natural feel of solid wood takes centre stage.

The interior is lined with Junckers Beech Harmony on the floor while Beech SylvaKet clads the ceiling and the walls. The solid wood provides durable and easy to maintain surfaces which are ideal for high-traffic areas. The two types of wood add natural warmth and texture to the open plan spaces and complement each other beautifully. Classic Beech is a light coloured timber with a golden grain pattern also present in Beech SylvaKet, which has been vacuum fumed for a dark honey coloured appearance. Both can be sanded and refinished without loss of colour. As a natural, living material, solid wood creates an ideal indoor climate, naturally retaining heat, maintaining an even temperature and balanced humidity levels. The flooring contractor was Junckers’ Approved Contractor PICA Floorings Ltd.