When Jurado Architects designed the new Hoppers Headquarters in Orewa, they wanted a natural timber finish for the entrance. They chose a combination of cedar battens on the soffit in the semi-exposed entrance foyer and for the external soffit above the café seating. Both these areas required an increased group rating by the fire engineer.

To compound matters, the design called for a “living wall” in the foyer. This combination of a semi-exposed, windy area and the natural breathing of the wall created a high moisture content for the area. The team specified FireZone Board and Batten fire-rated treatment to meet the challenge. FireZone Board and Batten is the only fire-rated treatment suitable for solid timber in high moisture conditions. 

According to Bevan Kilmister, Woodview Site Supervisor, “The natural colour and grain of the cedar was enhanced. There was no mess on site to worry about, no issues with fumes, the battens were installed outside as well with no extra coatings required for exposure to moisture. In short a clean, simple, cost effective solution for fire-rated timber requiring a natural finish."

FireZone Board and Batten is environmentally friendly, with no red-list chemicals, has low VOC’s, and is a clear, water-based treatment. Unlike traditional intumescent coatings, FireZone Board and Batten performs well in areas with high humidity, enhancing timber’s built-in resistance to mould and fungi.

From Zone’s off-site facility, the timber is delivered for installation to the project ready to be installed. The fire-rating treatment is damage resistant, produces a durable finish that is tested to meet a Group 1S rating on Cedar for compliance to the NZBC. Test certification is also available for other species such as plywood, CLT / LVL Engineered wood, Accoya and thermally modified timber.

Contact Zone during the Design phase to discuss project requirements and they can help you with expert technical advice.