Scottish firm I&K Decorators renovated the wooden cladding on this tired facade using GORI Professional 88.
Set on a sloping, wooded parkland site with views over the River Tay, the Dudhope Young People’s Inpatient Unit is a facility supporting young people with complex mental health conditions.
Part of the North of Scotland Regional Inpatient CAMHS Unit, under NHS Tayside, the 12-bed purpose-built facility was constructed in 2015 to provide care to young people aged 12 to 18.
Battling the elements
In the years since construction, the larch timber cladding on the building’s façade had tarnished and started to look worn (see picture below). The woodwork had been initially treated with a coloured preserver but, due to a lack of regular maintenance, most of the coating had faded over time. Along with regular exposure to wet weather conditions, the building had discoloured, and mould and fungal decay began turning the wood black.
To address the issue, I&K Decorators Ltd was brought in to restore the building’s appearance and protect it from further decay by renovating the wooden cladding.
Scandinavian treatment
The I&K Decorators team, led by Ian Lawson and Kevin Mason, started work on the project in May 2023 and opted to use GORI Professional 88 Compact Opaque Wood Finish for its superior coverage and protection.
Developed by Scandinavian woodcare experts, GORI is a premium wood treatment range from PPG that offers up to 15 years’ high performance, helping designers and contractors protect their projects for longer. “Wood is an amazing material. It’s natural, it’s renewable, and it’s beautiful. But for it to perform like we need it to, its protection needs to be amazing too. Scandinavians have known this for years, which is why they’ve trusted GORI there since 1902. With GORI, this incredible material can be preserved for even longer, reducing the need for maintenance and improving sustainability,” said Tony Walker, Technical Specification Controller at PPG.
The non-drip exterior wood coating is formulated with innovative Slow-Release technology, meaning the active ingredients are only released when necessary, to ensure a long-lasting quality finish on new and previously treated wood.
In collaboration with PPG’s colour consultants, the team colour matched the product to ensure the new paintwork complemented the surroundings and other elements of the building. “It was important for us to make sure the wood finish would look appropriate in the context of the facility and the wider environment, and with GORI being available in thousands of colours, we were able to find the perfect match,” said Kevin Mason.
The I&K team started by setting up scaffolding around the building and removing the old finish with sandpaper. The first coat of GORI 88 Compact was thinned with ProGold Turpentine to allow for better absorption, followed by two coats applied with standard brushes.
“The weather was the biggest challenge as it rained almost every day,” said Kevin. “We had to suspend work for four days due to stormy conditions. Despite this, the product performed exceptionally well and made our job easier. GORI 88 Compact is one of the best products we have used. It was easy to apply, offered great coverage, and provided an excellent finish—probably the best out there. It surely lasts longer than other products on the market.”
Good as new
Completing the work in just two weeks, the I&K team treated a total of 250 sq m of wooden cladding using 65 litres of GORI 88 Compact Opaque Wood Finish. “The building now looks good as new and the client even said it exceeded their expectations,” stated Kevin. To conclude Tony said: “We’re so happy we could help Ian and Kevin complete this important project with GORI. The wooden exterior needed extra protection, and with its unique formulation and extended durability, GORI 88 was the best choice. With a great new finish in the perfect colour, the building façade will look beautiful for staff and residents for years to come.”
