Buckland Timber increases the use of fire-protected CLT in the UK with Nordtreat

Buckland Timber has supplied fire-protected CLT and glulam timber structures for two London underground and overground stations. The collaboration with Nordtreat began when Transport of London specified Nordtreat's Eurocode B-s1, d0 compliant flame retardant solution for the projects.

Reliable timber fire protection is needed for public buildings

The demand for duly fire-protected CLT and glulam structures is increasing, especially in public-sector building projects. Buckland Timber is one of the leading glulam contractors in the UK, working directly with private clients, sub-contractors and main contractors to deliver glulam and CLT projects. Buckland provides glulam for the broadest range of project needs, from a single beam to the design, manufacture and installation of large buildings.

Engineer and Project Manager Jess Pearce from Buckland Timber is pleased to have Nordtreat’s bio-based, Eurocode B-s1, d0 compliant fire protection solution in the product portfolio.

“Large structures, visibly incorporating timber, are increasingly used especially in public sector buildings, because they contribute to the sustainability credentials of the project as well as being aesthetically pleasing. These structures must fulfil strict fire regulations, and together with Nordtreat we can now provide a sustainable solution.”

Jess Pearce, Engineer and Project Manager of Buckland Timber

CLT and glulam fire protection for Transport of London projects

Nordtreat’s bio-based NT DECO flame retardant was specified by Transport of London for two station upgrades in early 2024. Consequently, Buckland Timber contacted Nordtreat to learn more about the product certifications and applicability for CLT and glulam beams. The provided product literature was comprehensive, reinforced by Nordtreat’s technical team visiting Buckland Timber to discuss and train the production team for conducting the fire-protection treatment.

“Nordtreat’s flame retardant solution is perfect for us. Besides providing the required B-s1, d0 reaction to fire performance, the product is waterborne, non-volatile and suitable for the on-site and offsite treatment of our large CLT and glulam structures. I also find the range of translucent colours very useful.”

Jess Pearce, Engineer and Project Manager of Buckland Timber

The rebuilding of Surrey Quays station in London included a second entrance, new ticket gates and lifts. Buckland Timber supplied fire-protected spruce CLT decking for two flat roofs, which were installed in just one weekend. The project was completed in the spring of 2024 and was given an award for Excellence in Quality by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, the Main Contractor.

The Colindale Underground Station upgrade project, also in London, is much larger. It introduces a spacious, new ticket hall formed by glulam arches, with visible bearing structures made of CLT and glulam beams. The canopy stairwell is made of enhanced visual grade spruce CLT, steel and larch glulam structures and was finished in December 2024. The installation of large timber structures had to be done at night-time only. The new ticket hall is under construction and will be opened in the autumn of 2025.

Both Transport of London projects were designed by AtkinsRéalis, in close cooperation with Buckland Timber. The fire protection of CLT and glulam was done with clear NT DECO flame retardant.

Good cooperation is essential in timber fire protection

Visually attractive wooden structures help replace less sustainable steel and concrete structures. Massive glulam beams can be several meters thick and even 25 m long. They are usually made of spruce or larch.

Reliable fire protection is important for Buckland Timber because it encourages the specification of timber for sustainable structures. Fire protection is a hot topic in the UK, and being able to provide certified solutions is vital for a CLT and glulam manufacturer.

“Nordtreat team has been proactive and very helpful, providing us with quick answers. The training Nordtreat provided at our Devon site was important, as flame retardant treatment must be done in a controlled way within the required humidity and temperature limits. We are happy with the new competencies and service provided.”

Jess Pearce, Engineer and Project Manager of Buckland Timber

Buckland Timber and Nordtreat are already working on the next projects, where tinted NT DECO flame retardant will be used for the first time. This will enhance the visual alternatives for the fire-protected CLT and glulam offerings.