Decors produced by Europe’s leading wood-based panel manufacturer, EGGER UK, have helped to
bring a new dimension to a flagship student facility at the University of Aberdeen.
The Hub, which launched 12 months ago, revolutionised catering and social facilities for students across the University’s historic King’s College campus after giving the original student refectory, which dates back to the 1970s, a new lease of life.

The Hub offers students a licensed internet cafe bar, a variety of shops, a sandwich bar, meeting rooms and student support offices, along with a 450 seat food court, student activity spaces, a global hub for international students, a job link resource centre, accommodation and student union offices.

Established Scottish firm Covell Matthews Architects (CMA) were appointed as lead consultant, architect, interior designer, space planners and planning supervisors for the project.

CMA incorporated over 110 square metres of EGGER’s Tobacco Aida Walnut (H3704/ ST15) decor from its ZOOM® range to fit-out the three-storey facility. The decorative Eurodekor MDF panels were combined with matching EGGER ABS security edging to create a neat and complete finish.

EGGER’s specification collection, ZOOM®, offers a variety of innovative ideas and products for the design and shop fitting communities. The range brings together all of EGGER’s international know-how to offer a stylish collection that architects and fabricators can rely on to provide a complete collection of coordinated products.

Project architect Fiona Adam, from Covell Matthews said: “We looked at several varieties of walnut veneers and laminates prior to specifying EGGER for both the food court servery counters and reception desks within The Hub. We selected the product both for its quality aesthetically and for its durability in a high traffic environment. A year on it is still looking pristine.”

Kathryn Burton, EGGER UK’s new specification product manager, said: “Our ZOOM® range offers a variety of decors in MDF, MFC, laminate and Eurolight, our new lightweight panel solution, complete with edgings for a fully co-ordinated finish.

“The application of our Tobacco Aida Walnut decor has given The Hub a cool and contemporary feel, playing an integral part in creating the complete look and atmosphere of the building.  As a natural woodgrain decor it is both effortlessly stylish and incredibly durable and will ensure The Hub remains so for years to come.”

Tobacco Aida Walnut (H3704 ST15) is just one of many decors available in EGGER’s ZOOM® range which offers a number of matching materials. The company is at the forefront of ‘value engineering’ with its Express Decor Match System which allows specifiers and architects to co-ordinate materials throughout a project, according to the application and performance needs. 

Leith Forsyth, director of campus services at Aberdeen University says the University’s 14,000+ students are delighted with the finished building and are enjoying the benefits of the new facility.

He said: “The completion of The Hub has been a major milestone for the University. It demonstrates our commitment to provide top class facilities which benefit from contemporary design, all within the central location of King’s College. The Hub provides students, staff and the local community with a top quality venue for dining, socialising and studying.”

The success of EGGER’s ZOOM® Range reflects its ability to provide the specification sector with quality solutions which add value to the final installation.