Record-breaking glulam beams are being used to construct the swimming pool complex at the new Center Parc complex in Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire. The new building will be constructed using 46 glulam pieces, the longest in the UK at 70 metres.
The laminated beams are making the 960-mile journey from just outside Vienna in Austria, where they are produced.
The glulams will make up the roof support structure of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and will take construction workers 12 weeks to assemble into place. The new complex, the fifth Center Parcs in the UK, will open in spring 2014.
Don Camilleri, Woburn construction director, Center Parcs UK, said: “The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is such an iconic building, which many families recognise as a significant feature at Center Parcs, so it is exciting that the structure for Woburn Forest is now starting to take shape. Work on site is really progressing at pace now and we are on track for the spring 2014 opening.”
Manufactured at a factory just outside Vienna, it takes up to 195 man hours to construct each of the largest main beams and 50 workers in total to construct all of the glulams.
It will take workers 12 weeks to assemble the glulams
In line with Center Parcs’ commitment to protecting the natural environment, the beams are sustainably sourced under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) system, meaning that for every tree used another is planted.
Bowmer & Kirkland was appointed by Center Parcs to build the leisure buildings and facilities at Woburn Forest, including the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and is overseeing the construction, delivery and assembly of the glulams, which have been supplied and fitted by B&K Structures.
Once open from spring 2014, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be heated to 29.5°C, whatever the weather.
Woburn Forest will comprise 625 forest lodges, a 75-bedroom hotel, spa with six associated spa suites and two leisure buildings including indoor sports facilities, restaurants and retail outlets. It will also include outdoor sports and leisure facilities and a lake.
