Lunawood is a pioneer in decorative wood solutions, with 25 years of expertise in the thermal modification of wood. Their mission is to reconnect people with nature by bringing the calming essence of the forest into urban environments.
Lunawood ThermoWood® cladding was applied in the Eaton Socon Pre-School, an educational facility designed by Devlin Architects in collaboration with Millworks Ltd and located in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom.
Completed in 2019, the project replaced two temporary portable classrooms with a permanent building designed to provide improved spatial quality, durability, and long-term performance for early childhood education. The transformation of the pre-school was widely adopted by the local community and recognized with multiple regional architecture awards, including the RIBA Award.
For the building envelope, Lunawood ThermoWood® was specified as exterior cladding to create a durable façade capable of maintaining dimensional stability and a consistent finish over time. The system incorporates thermally modified wood profiles installed using a concealed fixing channel developed by Millworks, with fire protection treatment to meet building performance requirements.
The façade combines factory-finished painted surfaces with natural weathering zones, establishing a layered material expression that supports both visual contrast and long-term maintenance performance. The dark cladding and roof surfaces provide a neutral background that allows brightly colored window frames and architectural elements to stand out, reinforcing the playful character of the educational environment.
The architectural concept is organized around a central courtyard arrangement, with three large classrooms designed to provide direct, level access to outdoor areas. The layout prioritizes thermal comfort and daylight control, including careful orientation strategies to reduce overheating during warmer months. Within the courtyard, the use of natural wood surfaces creates a sheltered environment where filtered light and color variation support a comfortable and engaging setting for children and staff.
Through the integration of façade systems designed for long-term reliability and child-centered spatial planning, the project demonstrates how wood cladding can be used to support durable, low-maintenance construction in educational facilities while contributing to a welcoming and adaptable learning environment.
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