The innovative carved surface effect on Sirocco, which has been developed by Timbmet in association with a French MDF supplier, is achieved with a state-of-the-art router. The board is then vinyl wrapped by a UK manufacturing partner for a silk-smooth finish.
It was prominently displayed, alongside Diffusion, its raw or primed sister product, in the Benfield ATT timber frame house at the show and, according to Timbmet Silverman group commercial director Jeremy Bristoe, was the first thing that attracted visitors.
“It’s just so tactile,” he said. “People just walk straight up and run their hands over it.”
Sirocco is targeted at the kitchen and furniture sector but it’s also attracting attention among interior designers and architects. “They see it as a decorative feature – some just want to put a sheet on the wall as a piece of art!” said Mr Bristoe.
The special routing process, he added, enables any pattern to be created on the board, including pictures and corporate logos.
Timbmet Silverman was exhibiting at W6 under the banner of its burgeoning Timbmet Engineered Components arm with all staff in ‘TEC’ livery. The TEC range includes veneer-wrapped aluminium profiles and engineered joinery components using hardwood outer layers bonded to a softwood core, or incorporating insulation and fireproofing elements.
“TEC’s philosophy is about making the most of the raw material, cutting waste and remedial problems,” said Mr Bristoe. “It’s also a reaction to a problem – industry’s misuse of solid timber.”
