Vivalda supplies cement bonded particle boards to clad internal walls of creative business.
A top London music studio is showcasing the innovative use of cement-bonded particle board to create a sleek internal aesthetic. Wired Masters, based in South Wimbledon, is a world-renowned mastering studio that took the unusual step of specifying Viroc panels in grey to transform a 4,000 sq ft former gym into a stylish creative space.
The client brief to the specialist contractor Recording Rooms was to deliver three world-class mix and mastering studios to service an international client base including artists such as Jax Jones, the late Avicii, Joel Corry, Fisher, Sigala, Camelphat and Sonny Fodera. Recording Rooms Founder Mark Russell said: “Our designers for the common areas were tasked with finding a suitable cladding material for the three imposing concrete structures. Wired Masters were looking for an industrial aesthetic – and during the design process we considered many ‘finishes’. However, having considered various options, nothing came close to the look and feel of 19mm Viroc, which we specified in polished grey.”
“Fire safety was a significant consideration, and given the amount of façade cladding to be used, its European tested B1 rating meant we could satisfy building control and deliver the client a significant saving by not having to stain or varnish the product.”
While sub-contracting out the cladding installation proved cost prohibitive, with the active support and technical advice from Vivalda, the team from Recording Rooms was able to install the Viroc themselves.
In order to safely fix the Viroc panels, while protecting the integrity of the concrete walls (which formed the outer isolation shells for the studios) wood battens were drilled into the blockwork. Once complete, the Viroc sheets were then fixed to the wood using colour-matched screws and caps. An anthracite aluminium edge trim and plastic caps was also used to tie in with the Viroc colour.
Having considered secret fixing for the boards, to achieve the best results for the client within budget it was decided to opt for discrete, colour-matched face fixings instead. Interestingly, Viroc was also used as flooring in the kitchen area, which was fixed to the existing raised flooring. And if this wasn’t enough to demonstrate the versatility of Viroc, the cement-bonded particle board was even used on customised receptions areas of the studio as well as on desks around the development.
Brian Harding, Area Sales Manager at Vivalda, said: “We have to hand it to Mark and his team at Recording Rooms, for their sheer inventiveness and creativity when it comes to use of Viroc on the project. It’s rare for us to see cement particle board, which is usually seen on the external walls of schools, retail developments and offices, used in such an innovative way. However, the approach taken on this project really demonstrates the huge potential there is for this type of facade product, which we’re seeing specified more often as contractors appreciate the variety of applications.”
Picture credits to Mike Banks