Project Background
A new Starbucks drive-thru located in Woburn Sands with a busy Instavolt EV charging hub required a cladding solution that balanced durability with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. As the site serves high volumes of customers throughout the day, the building envelope needed to withstand continuous exposure to changing weather conditions while retaining a visually appealing, low-maintenance finish. The surrounding EV infrastructure features a modern, technology-led design, so the cladding for the coffee shop had to integrate seamlessly with this environment while providing a neutral backdrop for Starbucks’ branding and signage.
Conventional timber products were discounted due to their intensive upkeep and vulnerability to fading over time. The project demanded a solution that would look refined for years, require minimal maintenance and reflect the polished, high-traffic nature of the location. This combination of technical and visual requirements led the design team to consider materials that offered long-lasting durability. They also needed a premium appearance suitable for a nationally recognised retail setting.
Project Specification
| Board Type: | Slatted & Classic |
| Colour: | Antique |
| Square Metreage: | 220m² |
| Application: | Commercial |
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Our Proposal
NeoTimber® supplied 140 m² of Slatted Antique cladding and 80 m² of Classic cladding, used alongside Corten steel cladding to create a distinctive and professional façade. This was tailored to the dual commercial and transport-focused setting. The Slatted Antique boards delivered a warm, architectural texture that complemented the steel elements, while the Classic boards provided a smooth, understated finish that supported the neutral backdrop required for brand signage. Together, the materials helped establish a cohesive exterior that felt refined without overpowering the site’s broader visual identity.
Low-maintenance cladding ensured the building would retain its colour and finish over time, a key consideration for a drive-thru facility operating long hours with constant customer turnover. This combination of materials offered long-lasting durability, enabling the façade to withstand daily wear, environmental exposure and the demands of a high-footfall commercial location. The completed installation provides a modern, attractive frontage that enhances the customer experience. It also aligns with the wider Instavolt EV hub’s contemporary setting.
