Commercial Bin & AC Chiller Enclosures Oxford | Case Study

Large commercial timber bin and chiller enclosure installed on a concrete base at ARC Oxford by Arbor Garden Solutions.

Project Quick Facts

Attribute	Technical Details
End Client	Interior Impressions Ltd
Location	Cascade Way, ARC Oxford, Oxfordshire
Building Type	Open-Top Commercial Timber Enclosures (Bin & AC Chiller Storage)
Dimensions	Three units: 9.6m x 4.2m, 7.2m x 4.2m, and 4.2m x 7.2m (All 2.4m High)
Structural Frame	94x94mm engineered Redwood 'A' Grade posts (UC4 Tanalised, PEFC certified)
Cladding & Bracing	CLS planed 1x4 treated softwood (20mm x 90mm)
Hardware	Designer-specified black ironmongery, ball-bearing 7-grade hinges, and internal locks
Base Fixing	Surface-fixed to existing concrete pads via heavy-duty L-shape brackets

1. The Client Brief: High-Volume Storage & AC Concealment

When Interior Impressions Ltd needed a robust, large-scale storage solution for a commercial site in Oxford, they reached out to Arbor Garden Solutions. The site required modular timber enclosures that could be delivered in kit form and assembled directly onto pre-existing concrete bases.

The requirements were highly specific. The enclosures needed to serve as high-volume bin storage while also securely housing air conditioning chillers. Because of the AC units, the enclosures had to accommodate low-level pipework entering through the timber panels.

The project called for three massive open-top compounds:

Main Double Compound: 9.6m wide by 4.2m deep.
Enclosure 2: 7.2m wide by 4.2m deep with front-facing double gates.
Enclosure 3: 4.2m wide by 7.2m deep with side-facing double gates.

2. Design & Fabrication: Reinforcing Massive Timber Spans

To ensure these towering 2.4m high enclosures could withstand rigorous commercial use and harsh weather, our Wisbech workshop selected premium, heavy-duty materials.

The uprights were constructed from 94x94mm engineered Redwood 'A' Grade posts that were kiln-dried to 12-14% moisture content, laminated, and UC4 tanalised for maximum ground-contact durability. For the slats, back bracing, and top capping, we utilized CLS planed 1x4 treated softwood (20mm x 90mm).

Engineering Challenges & Custom Solutions:

Structural Redesign: During fabrication, the sheer scale of the 9.6m compound presented stability challenges. To guarantee a safe and structurally sound solution, our engineering team carried out a slight redesign to reinforce the bracing on the top section of the unit.
Adjustable Bracing for Pipework: To accommodate the AC chiller pipework at the Oxford site, the top bracing elements were uniquely designed to be adjustable during on-site assembly, ensuring low-level pipe entries could be cleared without compromising the structure.
Designer-Specified Hardware: At the client's request, we sourced and installed black ironmongery, outfitting the heavy-duty double doors with black ball-bearing 7-grade hinges, interior locks, and hasps.

Pre-fabrication of the heavy-duty timber commercial bin enclosures in the Arbor Garden Solutions workshop.

3. On-Site Installation: Overcoming Site Obstructions

Installing multiple massive enclosures in a busy commercial park requires strict coordination. The Oxford site required full PPE and restricted working hours of 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

While the structures were designed to be surface-fixed to the concrete pads using L-shape brackets, the installation day did not go exactly as planned. Upon arriving on-site, our fitting crew found the designated concrete pad obstructed by materials and gas bottles, preventing immediate access.

Despite losing the morning to site clearance and access restrictions, our dedicated installation team quickly adapted. Pushing through the delays, they successfully erected, braced, and anchored all three commercial compounds by the following day, resulting in an outstanding final build.

🎥 See the Finished Commercial Enclosures

Wooden gate with slatted design in front of a building

Wooden fence with a van and trees in the background

Close-up of the black heavy-duty hardware and treated softwood slats on the commercial timber enclosure.

4. Now Available in Our Standard Product Range

Because of the overwhelming success of this bespoke project, we are thrilled to announce that these Heavy-Duty Commercial Bin Enclosures have officially been added to our standard product catalog.

Whether you need to conceal unsightly waste bins, secure expensive AC chillers, or create a safe storage compound for your commercial property, these pre-formed modular kits provide an incredibly durable, surface-mounted solution.

Why Choose Arbor Garden Solutions for Commercial Enclosures?

Engineered for Durability: Built with UC4 tanalised 94x94mm Redwood posts and heavy-duty hardware.
Flexible Modular Kits: Designed for easy on-site assembly and surface-fixing to existing concrete bases.
Expert Installation Available: Opt for our professional white-glove assembly service to ensure your compound is erected safely and securely.