International Timber brews ideal solution for Costa Coffee

International Timber and Jewson have teamed up with local developer, Ascia Construction, to provide sustainable and quality cedar timber for the development of a Costa Coffee drive-thru facility.

Located at the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus in Southampton, the Costa Coffee drive-thru will provide at least 15 new jobs and soon begin to serve those working and visiting the hospital site. The new coffee shop will also cater to University Hospital Southampton staff using the campus’ park and ride facilities at the beginning and end of their shifts. 

There is indoor seating for customer use, outdoor tables and a drive-thru window for customers on-the-go.

The initial design incorporated red and white render, cedar cladding and grey, powder coated metal roof and windowpanes, as well as turf borders, ornamental planting and newly planted trees surrounding the site’s boundary.

When John Packer, Timber Development Manager at Jewson, was first asked to secure the cedar cladding for this project, it was discussed whether UK Cedar or Western Red Cedar would be the best fit.

The cladding designs include lots of individual pieces of cedar, all the same size but cut at different angles, to create a unique timber design that has become synonymous with Costa’s coffee shops over time.

The ideal solution

Due to the complexity of the design and to ensure the visual aesthetic of the cladding, both John and the team at Ascia Construction decided Western Red Cedar would provide the ideal solution; helping to minimise knots and to prioritise quality, durability and sustainability.

John comments: “This project was one of the first major enquiries we’d worked on for Ascia Construction and we wanted to ensure that the quality of the materials, together with the customer service provided met the company’s expectations.  

“International Timber proved to be the perfect choice of supplier, offering a cost-competitive quote, alongside a high-quality, durable product.”

A favourite

International Timber’s Western Red Cedar is often a favourite for both internal and external cladding, due to its natural resistance to decay and insect attack, as well as being an excellent material for thermal insulation. This keeps the building cool in summer and prevents heat from escaping in winter. 

Both John and the International Timber team worked closely to deliver 32 finish x 32 finish PSE cedar, providing samples which had been machined to specification and brought onto site to ensure the customer’s satisfaction right from the beginning.

John then made two more visits throughout construction; once upon the first delivery of the cedar and again when it was fitted – each time with those on site at Ascia commenting on the quality of the timber.

With (PEFC) certification, the team at Ascia Construction know the cedar is in line with Costa’s sustainability objectives. 

John adds: “Each time I went on site, the guys from Ascia Construction would comment on the fantastic quality of the cedar – even going as far to say it’s the best cedar they had ever worked with, which of course was music to my ears. The project was finished in April this year and it really is a superior build with quality materials and craftmanship.”

For more info on International Timber and its Western Red Cedar range, visit www.internationaltimber.com.