Specialists in engineered timber and hybrid construction, B&K Hybrid Solutions, have played a pivotal role in the creation of Cozenton Park Sports Centre; a state-of-the-art leisure facility that exemplifies sustainable and innovative design.
The project, located in Rainham, Medway, replaced the ageing 1990s ‘Splashes’ pool complex with an energy-efficient and aesthetically striking hybrid structure, setting a benchmark for leisure developments in the UK. Commissioned by Medway Council as part of their commitment to delivering high-quality community facilities, the new £23.6m Cozenton Park Sports Centre is designed to meet the highest energy efficiency standards. The building includes a modern fitness gym, a multi-purpose exercise studio, a main pool, and a children’s play pool with flume and beach area, meeting both family and fitness needs for the community.
B&K Hybrid Solutions (BKHS) were appointed to manufacture and install the hybrid engineered timber and steelwork elements which underpin the facility’s design, combining the visual appeal and natural warmth of timber with the strength of steel. Working in collaboration with specialist supply chain partners Stora Enso for the Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Rubner for the glulam components, BKHS delivered a precision-engineered solution tailored to the project’s sustainability and performance goals.
The project team, led by architects Space & Place and main contractor Willmott Dixon, prioritised offsite construction methods to optimise build quality, energy performance, and delivery schedules. The pool hall features glulam columns and beams measuring 1,700 by 240mm at 5m intervals, creating a clear 26.3m span. Stainless steel flitch plates ensure structural precision, while CLT wall panels and roof decks complete the elegant environment. The adjoining two-storey building incorporates a steel frame with CLT roof panels and profiled metal decking to support the intermediate concrete floor, housing the gym and exercise studio.
BKHS’ contribution to the project was integral to achieving Medway Council’s ambitious sustainability targets. The CLT walls and roof decks provide exceptional airtightness and thermal performance, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Key sustainability highlights of the hybrid approach include:
- 72% lower carbon emissions compared to conventional construction methods.
- CLT’s insulation properties reduces operational energy costs, with projected annual savings of approximately £30,000.
- The timber structure locks in over 314 tonnes of CO2, demonstrating its role in supporting a circular economy.
Leveraging offsite manufacturing techniques was a key part of the project delivery, to ensure millimetre accuracy, minimise waste, and reduce on-site build times. The prefabricated CLT and glulam components were delivered to site ready for rapid assembly, reducing construction traffic by approximately 40% compared to traditional methods.
BKHS’ precise installation processes and advanced logistics on site contributed to a seamless and efficient build phase, ensuring the project remained on schedule and was delivered to an exceptional standard. The use of hybrid timber and steel also ensures minimal maintenance requirements while providing a visually stunning and biophilic environment for visitors.
Nic Bryant, Lead Architect at Space & Place, praised the contribution of engineered timber on Cozenton, stating: “Timber not only looks fantastic in a swimming pool environment but offers exceptional performance in terms of insulation, airtightness, and durability. B&K Hybrid Solutions’ expertise with the structure ensured the project’s success, and the result is a building that will serve the community for decades to come.”
Cozenton Park Sports Centre demonstrates the potential of engineered timber and hybrid structures to deliver sustainable, high-performance buildings. The project sets a benchmark for leisure developments in the UK, matching elegance with optimal performance and a keen focus on sustainability.
For more information, please visit: www.bkhybridsolutions.co.uk
