Foster + Partners opts for natural wood panels for the bathrooms at 50 Hudson Yards, New York

Architecture: Foster and Partners

The unique technology of the panels protects them against water and combustion, allowing the presence of natural timber in the bathrooms while ensuring hygiene and safety.

Advanced protection against moisture and fire

The moisture-resistant treatment applied to Parklex Prodema paneling allows their installation in interiors with frequent contact with water and humidity, such as the skyscraper’s bathrooms. The timber is protected against external aggressions, guaranteeing high stain resistance and making cleaning easier. Furthermore, thanks to the fire-retardant materials incorporated into the panels, they achieve Class A surface flame spread protection according to the ASTM E84 standardised testing method, complying with the strict fire safety regulations of the United States.

Contribution to LEED Gold certification

The environmental characteristics of Parklex Prodema panels contribute to the project achieving the coveted LEED Gold classification, a rigorous sustainability standard applied throughout the Hudson Yards urbanisation project. Additionally, the panels require no post-installation maintenance, ensuring durability without the resource expenditure needed for the upkeep of other panelling.

The selected panels, which feature a walnut timber veneer, offer the organic variations in colour and tone characteristic of this species.

Customisation and quality control for each panel

Each panel is unique, so quality control and precision during installation were essential to ensure aesthetic and functional consistency in each of the 58 bathrooms in the skyscraper. A crucial aspect of the project was the creation of a customised timber finish that met the client’s requirements. To achieve this, the technical team travelled to Valencia, Spain, in search of the perfect wood veneer. After selecting the appropriate veneer, samples were prepared, measured with a colorimeter, and sent to the client for evaluation. Although a specific tone was initially proposed, a standard tone was ultimately chosen that met the architects’ expectations. The effort to achieve the exact tone was reflected in a map illustrating the extensive work of comparing thousands of samples. In the section of the map labelled ‘USA’ are the samples that were finally sent to the United States, showcasing the dedication and level of detail involved in meeting the architects’ demands.

Collaboration and planning for a perfect installation

Collaboration with on-site contractors was key to ensuring that technical and aesthetic details were executed precisely. Each piece was carefully identified before shipment, ensuring that the installation order adhered to the original design, both in terms of colour and timber grain. To achieve a uniform finish in all bathrooms, the panels were organised into 58 different sets, one for each bathroom, with detailed instructions on the placement of each piece. Additionally, the natural expansion and contraction of the timber was considered, adopting technical solutions that prevented these variations from affecting the installation or the final result.