About the project

Over 7,000 linear metres of SR Timbers graded roofing batten was used on the Lucent project, a complex multi-material and award-winning roof located behind Piccadilly Lights in London W1.

The mixed-use development near Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End features one of the most complex roofs ever built in the capital. Spanning almost an entire city block, the project took over four years to complete. Fletcher Priest Architects designed the development, with Wates Group as the main contractor and E J Roberts as the specialist roofing contractor. The project involved the unification of thirteen different buildings, including several historic facades.

Natural slate forms the largest part of the roof and all slate areas were specified to use fire retardant (FRT) batten to meet the project’s fire safety requirements. The original architects design intent stated the use of Aluminium Counter battens (A2 fire rated), but as this wasn’t a recommended install method by Welsh Slate, who recommended timber battens, AccuRoof were able to provide Euroclass B Fire Rated Timber Battens for the project, that the Architect approved. The substantial order was therefore awarded to SR Timber and fulfilled by SIG Roofing who supplied all the roofing materials for the project. It contained 3700 linear metres of BS 5534 graded 25mm x 50mm Fire Retardant Treated (FRT) batten and approximately a similar quantity of 50mm x 50mm counter batten specially produced and graded to BS 4978, also Fire Retardant Treated (FRT).

The special order required SR Timber to supply its usual high-quality graded roofing batten, completed with an additional process. Instead of undergoing its usual water-based treatment to produce its trademarked Premium Gold batten, each piece is monitored for its moisture content and given a fire retardant treatment.

The completed special order was then delivered to their customer SIG Roofing’s Kentish Town branch.