A range of timber look products from Innowood met the architects’ brief for cladding solutions that delivered a contemporary aesthetic as well as met performance and compliance requirements at ENTX in Christchurch.

Situated at the corner of Lichfield and Colombo streets, the ENTX development is the home of entertainment and eateries in the centre of the city.

Designed by Ignite Architects and developed by Calder Stewart, the project aimed to deliver a total entertainment package – the centrepiece of the precinct being the state-of-the-art Hoyts cinema with some of the finest facilities in the southern hemisphere. In addition to the bar and cafe, which offer a staggering array of cosmopolitan food and drink options, this entertainment hub features two Dolby ATMOS surround sound cinemas, and powered recliners in every seat.

As a major entertainment precinct within the city, ENTX is all about aesthetics without compromising functionality. The challenge for the architects was to find suitable cladding solutions that could provide a luxe, refined-yet-contemporary feel while delivering excellent performance and compliance.

The project required cladding for both interior and exterior wall and soffit applications. Though a contemporary wood look was sought, the material drawbacks associated with timber such as excessive maintenance, reduced durability in harsh weather and thermal expansion prompted the specification of a timber alternative.

Innowood’s range of composite timber cladding products presented an ideal solution to the problem. A sustainable product with a genuine timber look aesthetic, Innowood’s strength, fire resistance, durability and minimal thermal expansion make it a great choice where the brief calls for both aesthetics and performance.

The exterior of ENTX was clad with INNOCLAD concealed clip shiplap cladding. The cladding features an interlocking tongue and groove design to ensure that all fixings are hidden, and comes in a wide range of spans and profiles from batten-style to undulating waves, ensuring that there is a profile for any project.

Inside, INNOCEIL lock-in ceiling battens were used to provide elongated, sleek lines throughout the food court and retail areas. Used in the wider PS10050 profile, the battens provide a subtle thickness that speaks to the luxury of the surrounding area, while the click-on suspended ceiling system allows them to be spaced at customised widths to complete the effect.

Innowood’s innovative composite timber cladding solutions brought the project to life and struck the balance between old-style luxury and contemporary flair at the central entertainment hub.

Completed in 2019, the project was awarded Excellence in the PCNZ Property Award Retail Category.

Architecture & Design Team

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