Overview

Storey’s Field Centre in Eddington, Cambridge, opened in the spring 2018. Designed by MUMA, the centre was built to provide a mixed-use space for local residents.  

Having worked with MUMA on the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, C W Fields were delighted to be a part of yet another prestigious project for the award winning practice. We were commissioned to supply the oak linenfold panelling throughout the main hall, which included integrated doorsets. 

The Solution

The full scope of the project included European oak linenfold panelling, with integrated doorsets, set within to create a seamless run throughout the main hall. Veneered panelling was also required throughout the building.  We were asked to provide recommendations and consultation on all aspects of the job.

As with Whitworth Art Gallery, MUMA had very high standards and required a flawless finished product. Therefore design meetings on site were essential to understand the full expectations of our client.  We advised on various parts of the design to ensure the project ran smoothly and any design queries resolved.

Once the design phase was complete, site surveys were conducted to set out the final design and allow our CAD technicians all the relevant information to create accurate drawing ready for sign off.

The linenfold design raised an immediate challenge, the were no standard cutters available to achieve the desired size of the pattern.  We therefore had a bespoke cutter produced to achieve the clients needs.  Because the panels had to be moulded from solid timber, the next challenge we faced was the matching of the timber throughout.  We had to use our knowledge and expertise to pick appropriate colours and textures as well as tinting during the finishing process. The veneered panels presented less of a challenge, however the matching of veneer to the linenfold panels still had to be carefully considered guarantee a perfect finished result.

All panelling was supplied with clear class 0 lacquer ensuring compliance with BS 476-7 – fire tests on building materials and structures.

MUMA and the project has since been recognised by RIBA with several awards including – RIBA East Award 2018, RIBA East Building of the Year and RIBA National Award 2018.  The project has also been singled out for its environmental sustainability using the BREEAM methodology and is on track to be certified as “Excellent” and “Outstanding” respectively, earning it yet another award in the shape of the RIBA East Sustainability 2018 category.

We were awarded the project off the back of a successful project at Whitworth Art Gallery and although the job presented many challenges, we are very proud to have worked with MUMA once more on a beautifully finished building.