Foster + Partners selects natural wood paneling for bathrooms at 50 Hudson Yards, New York

Architecture: Foster + Partners

The innovative technology of the panels safeguards them against water and fire, allowing for the use of natural wood in the bathrooms while ensuring hygiene and safety standards.

Enhanced moisture and fire protection

The moisture-resistant treatment applied to Parklex Prodema paneling enables their use in environments that frequently encounter water and humidity, such as the bathrooms within the skyscraper. The wood is shielded against external factors, ensuring high stain resistance and simplifying cleaning. Moreover, the incorporation of fire-retardant materials in the panels achieves Class A surface flame spread protection according to the ASTM E84 standardized testing method, complying with the stringent fire safety regulations in the United States.

Support for LEED Gold certification

The environmental qualities of Parklex Prodema panels play a significant role in the project’s attainment of the highly sought-after LEED Gold classification, a rigorous sustainability benchmark implemented throughout the Hudson Yards urbanization initiative. Additionally, the panels require no maintenance after installation, ensuring longevity without the resource burden typically associated with maintaining other types of paneling.

The chosen panels, featuring a walnut wood veneer, exhibit the organic variations in color and tone typical of this species.

Customization and quality assurance for each panel

Each panel is distinctive, making quality assurance and precision during installation critical to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functional uniformity across all 58 bathrooms in the skyscraper. A vital element of the project was the development of a customized wood finish that fulfilled the client’s specifications. To achieve this, the technical team traveled to Valencia, Spain, in search of the ideal wood veneer. After selecting the appropriate veneer, samples were created, analyzed with a colorimeter, and sent to the client for feedback. Although a specific hue was initially suggested, a standardized tone was ultimately selected that aligned with the architects’ vision. This meticulous effort to achieve the precise tone is documented in a map illustrating the extensive process of comparing thousands of samples. In the section labeled ‘USA’ on the map, the final samples sent to the United States are showcased, highlighting the dedication and attention to detail involved in fulfilling the architects’ requests.

Collaboration and planning for flawless installation

Working closely with on-site contractors was crucial to ensure that both technical and aesthetic details were executed with precision. Each piece was carefully labeled before shipment, ensuring that the installation sequence followed the original design regarding both color and wood grain. To achieve a cohesive look in all bathrooms, the panels were organized into 58 separate sets, one for each bathroom, complete with detailed instructions for the placement of each component. Additionally, considerations for the natural expansion and contraction of the wood were taken into account, implementing technical solutions that prevented these variations from impacting the installation or the final outcome.