Kingspan TEK joins the adventure

The Kingspan TEK Building System has been specified for a new restaurant at Chessington World of Adventures. The Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were erected in just two weeks to ensure the Smokehouse BBQ was restaurant-ready for Easter.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort, part of Merlin Attractions Operations Limited, offers a wildlife experience for thrill-seekers of all ages. The site spans 197 acres and includes a zoo, sea life centre, theme park, accommodation, and other family-friendly activities. The 142 mm Kingspan TEK Building System forms the walls and roof of the single-storey restaurant. The new restaurant offers patrons an extensive menu all cooked within its wood barbeque pit.

Due to its popularity, it was imperative that the on-site facilities were constructed to schedule so the theme park could provide additional capacity to support its many hungry visitors. The SIP envelope was erected by Kingspan TEK Delivery Partners, Westwind Oak Buildings, with the wall panels fitted within a traditional oak frame. This offered an ideal solution that was ideal to meet the tight project schedule.

Rupert Newman, Director from Westwind Oak Buildings, discussed the build programme: “We only had two weeks to complete the ‘Smokehouse’ project, which included having to move all of the timber and panels into an area in the middle of a funfair just after Christmas. The Kingspan TEK Building System was selected because of the need for a speedy build with minimal difficulties. In addition, the insulation’s performance helped us to achieve a U-value of 0.19 W/m2.K.”

It was essential that the products used on the project were in-keeping with the overall aesthetic and vision for the resort. The use of Kingspan TEK panels has also helped Chessington World of Adventures Resort continue to promote a culture of environmental responsibility and awareness due to the panels’ FSC® (FSC®-C109304) certification which demonstrates sustainable sourcing of construction materials.

The Kingspan TEK Building System and the Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel are also available in a 172 mm thickness, delivering U-values of 0.17 W/m2.K or better, without the need for additional insulation. The manufacturing facility where the panels are produced carries both FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification.