Atkar Group announces the launch of DesignerWood Aluminium Veneer, a new fire rated timber veneer aluminium batten and cladding system for internal and external applications.

A leading acoustic wall and ceiling manufacturer with over 70 years in the industry, Atkar Group has constantly focussed on innovation to meet the requirements of the market for fire compliance while offering aesthetically compelling solutions to fit the modern design brief.

DesignerWood Aluminium Veneer is a genuine timber veneer aluminium batten and cladding system that combines the warmth and charm of real timber with the fire compliance of aluminium.

DesignerWood Aluminium Veneer has a BCA Group 1 Fire Rating and is suitable to use where non-combustible materials are required in accordance with Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions C1.9(e)(v) of the 2019 BCA, making it suitable for internal Group 1 rated projects and external building applications.

DesignerWood Aluminium Veneer comes standard with a two-piece click installation system in their batten range and a weatherproof interlocking system in the cladding range. While it is suitable for external application, some maintenance is required as expected with all genuine timber.

DesignerWood Aluminium Veneer is the latest addition to Atkar Group’s DesignerWood range following the introduction of DesignerWood Aluminium Image in September 2018. DesignerWood Aluminium Image is a photo-realistic timber wrap aluminium batten and plank system, which offers all the same fire and BCA compliance, but does not require any maintenance.

“A key priority for Atkar Group before we introduce any new product is to consider its fire compliance,” says general manager Tom Devine.

“Our current DesignerWood Aluminium Image batten has been very popular as the timber is very realistic, but designers and architects love real timber – so we undertook fire testing for a timber wrapped aluminium option and when we got the indication that it would receive a Group 1 rating, we knew it would be a great product for our customers.

“Atkar Group now has a product solution to meet most project requirements. Use DesignerWood Aluminium Veneer internally or externally on lower levels where the timber can be visually seen and appreciated; and use DesignerWood Aluminium Image on higher levels where you do not have to worry about maintenance or recoating,” Devine added.

Aware of the importance of using the correct Group Rated product in every application, Atkar Group works very closely with their clients to ensure that the product selected not only achieves their design goals but also meets the required fire compliance. Late last year, Atkar introduced a Group Rating Calculator on their website to support architects and help them identify the required Group Rating during product selection.