This model (pictured below) was commissioned by Medite Europe Ltd in 1989 - and built by London based master craftsman Mathew Wurr over a number of months to assist Medite’s aim of re-positioning MDF within the mainstream construction industry. Therefore, to help move the product away from its previous uses primarily within the furniture industry. The House was used as the chief tool to demonstrate and symbolise the scope and potential uses of MDF in the new end use sectors. [MDF is medium-density fibreboard and is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres; combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure].
During its commercial life the Medite House has been seen by huge numbers of architects and other construction professionals across Europe. In 2011 the Medite House was removed from its last permanent display point at The Building Centre in London and transferred to display within FPRI. This was arranged by Geoff Rhodes, then Marketing & Business Development Director of Coillte, as he assumed the Chair of the FPRI Advisory Board. In its new role we hope that the House – now in its 23rd year- will inspire the next generation of wood science, engineering and design students.