GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory

Project Type: Passive Fire Protection – Timber Façade & Soffit Fire Upgrade
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Project Background

The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory incorporates extensive timber slatted cladding and soffit features as part of its sustainable architectural design. While visually striking, exposed timber presents an increased fire risk if left untreated.

The client required an upgrade to the timber elements to provide a compliant level of fire resistance without altering the appearance or compromising the environmental and aesthetic goals of the project.

Project Objectives

Upgrade timber slatted cladding and soffits to achieve 60 minutes fire resistance
Maintain the natural timber appearance
Protect complex curved and angled timber surfaces
Ensure compliance with fire performance standards
Work safely at height using scaffold access
Deliver full certification upon completion

Technical Solution

A specialist clear intumescent coating system was selected to enhance the fire resistance of the existing timber slats and soffits without obscuring the timber grain or finish.

Upgrade System Specification:

• Application of fire retardant primer to prepared timber surfaces
• Application of clear intumescent coating to achieve 60 minutes fire protection
• Final decorative wood stain finish to retain natural appearance
• System applied in accordance with tested and approved manufacturer guidance

The system was designed to react in the event of fire by expanding and forming an insulating char layer, delaying ignition and restricting flame spread.

Installation Methodology

Survey & Assessment

• Site survey of timber slatted areas and soffits
• Measurement of total surface area
• Assessment of access requirements and sequencing

Surface Preparation

• Cleaning and preparation of timber surfaces
• Repair of damaged timber slats where required
• Moisture and condition checks prior to coating

Fire Protection Application

• Primer coat applied to all designated timber surfaces
• Intumescent coating applied to specified thickness
• Final wood stain finish applied to match existing appearance

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Quality Control & Completion

• Wet and dry film thickness checks carried out
• Visual inspection of coated areas
• Completion survey undertaken by fire technician
• Certification issued on completion

Compliance & Standards Achieved

The upgraded timber elements support fire performance requirements in accordance with:

EN 1364-1
BS EN 13501-2
Approved Document B (Fire Safety)
BS 9999

Key Compliance Outcomes

• External timber cladding upgraded to 60 minutes fire resistance
• Flame spread and ignition risk reduced
• Architectural timber finish preserved
• Fire strategy requirements satisfied

Health, Safety & Quality

• Works completed using scaffold access systems
• All operatives trained in passive fire protection
• Manufacturer’s application guidance strictly followed
• Photographic evidence recorded
• Full certification and handover documentation provided

Project Outcomes

•  Enhanced fire safety of timber façade and soffit areas
•  Compliance with fire performance requirements
• Retention of the natural timber aesthetic
• Successful integration with sustainable building design

Conclusion

The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory timber fire protection upgrade successfully balanced fire safety performance with architectural intent. By using a clear intumescent coating system, the project achieved 60 minutes fire resistance while preserving the visual quality of the timber slatted façade and soffits.

The works ensured the building met fire safety objectives without compromising its carbon-neutral and design-led principles.