Steinwood joins forces with UCL to furnish new PEARL building
PEARL is short for Person Environment Activity Research Laboratory. Funded by the UK Government, this 4,000m2 building will allow the University to create full-size environments to see how people use infrastructure in cities and towns.
This research will enable UCL and the UK Government to see how best to invest in infrastructure across the UK over the next 50 years. Projects that PEARL will be used for include making tube design more accessible and improving infrastructure for people with dementia.
As Nick Tyler, Chadwick Professor of Engineering and Director at UCL Centre for Transport Studies said: “(This is) a building that will be able to house the world”. PEARL will be the first building on the UCL campus that is net-zero carbon friendly – in that it removes as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it releases.
Modern furniture for a modern building
Steinwood was entrusted by UCL and principal contractor VolkerFitzpatrick to design and install tailor-made furniture for the PEARL facility. Within our specialised joinery workshop, we meticulously crafted custom wooden seating, desks, and storage units, seamlessly complementing PEARL’s contemporary timber framework.
Recognising the paramount importance of fire safety in timber-framed structures, we employed fire-rated plywood to fortify the building’s safety measures and diminish the potential spread of fire hasards. The University’s resolute commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint resonated deeply with us, aligning perfectly with our own recent pledge to attain the same goal by 2025. In line with sustainable practices, we meticulously sourced timber from certified eco-friendly origins, while harnessing the power of our new biomass burner to both heat and power the workshop where the furniture was meticulously crafted.
Steinwood's Bespoke Furnishings for PEARL
The collaboration between Steinwood and UCL exemplifies a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. Crafting bespoke timber furniture for PEARL, we ensured that every piece seamlessly complements the building’s modern aesthetic and contemporary timber frame. Safety was paramount, and our use of fire-rated plywood underscores our dedication to ensuring a secure environment. Moreover, our decision to source timber from certified sustainable origins aligns perfectly with UCL’s net-zero aspirations. Embracing our pledge to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2025, we powered our joinery workshop with a state-of-the-art biomass burner, exemplifying our dedication to environmentally-conscious practices. As the finishing touches are put in place, we eagerly anticipate the moment when PEARL opens its doors to students, researchers, and the public later this year. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and forward-thinking solutions in shaping a sustainable future.
