Page 128 - CFA_SG25

BUYERS’ GUIDE

JUNCKERS
Using our heritage
NO one can escape the signs that our
environment is changing at an alarming rate,
brought on by the effects of climate change
- there is an urgent need to act. The reuse,
refurbishment and retrofit of existing buildings
is a crucial step in reducing the impact of the
built environment which is the second largest
source of emissions in the UK. Leading experts,
industry bodies, national and local government
are strongly advocating the need to adapt the
country’s existing building stock to reduce
carbon emissions.
A quarter of the UK building stock is more
than 100 years old. Improving the energy
efficiency of historical properties will reduce
carbon and retrofitting these buildings could
create jobs as well as playing a crucial role in
achieving climate targets. We need to extend
the life of our existing buildings and make sure
they are equipped for future use – a much
more sustainable approach.
Refurbishment and adaptation of historic
buildings provides significant environmental
opportunities compared with new build
because there will usually be less waste from
demolition, and therefore a lower burden upon
landfill, reprocessing, transport, and reduced may be missing from a brand-new building. factory-applied seal of ultra matt lacquer which
use of raw materials, especially in relation to An excellent example of an historic building gives them a durable surface that will withstand
materials with high embodied carbon such as that has been restored and adapted for modern the high levels of foot traffic expected at the
concrete, plastics, ceramics/clay products and use is the recently reopened Perth Museum. museum.
steel. Formerly serving as the City Hall, the landmark Architects Mecanoo has transformed the
There is usually a strong desire to retain building has been completely transformed with former auditorium into the main exhibition
our architectural heritage, and often the most careful special reworking to create an inviting space. It houses The Stone of Destiny which
128 attractive and valued streetscapes are those and accessible cultural hub. takes centre stage on the ground floor
that have a blend of building styles and ages. The interior features large expanses of ensconced in a timber box. The raised gallery
Many older buildings will have a connection Junckers solid wood flooring. A common which runs all around the room on the level
with local history and losing the building flooring choice for heritage buildings, solid where there were previously balconies of
altogether can weaken people’s unique sense hardwood offers both an authentic, natural seating houses artefacts and curiosities that are
of community, identity and belonging. material traditionally specified for a building of part of Scotland’s national history.
The people living and working in the this calibre, and a hard-wearing surface with Here, Junckers Oak Natural Pearl flooring
building will often value the fact that their a lifespan that can match that of the building. forms a natural backdrop. With a subtle
workplace or home has a connection with the One of nature’s hardest timber species, oak light-grey tone, Oak Natural Pearl has an
town or nation’s past. The fact that it may have has been used as flooring for several hundred understated luminescent quality which
an unusual layout can be seen as ‘character’ years. reflects natural light. The transparent finish
and can provide as sense of uniqueness that Junckers’ floors are pre-finished with a complements the warm, honey-hued colouring
of the oak and enhances the
structural grain pattern.
In a smaller former
auditorium, the architects
extended a row of tall
windows to the ground to
significantly increase light
levels and improve usage.
With high ceilings and restored
ornamental plasterwork,
the space now houses a
café which can easily be
repurposed to host events.
Junckers’ Oak Natural Pearl
forms part of a light material
palette that creates a warm
and welcoming space.
Installed using Junckers’
clip system, the solid oak
floor is easy to care for and
maintain. As the floor is made
up of smaller, individual
elements, it can be repaired
without the need to replace the
entire area, and it can even be
lifted and reused should it ever
be replaced.
01376 534700
sales@junckers.co.uk
www.junckers.co.uk
Junckers Oak Natural Pearl plank floor at Perth Museum. Photos: Greg Holmes

CFA Guide to Sustainability 2025/26