Development House, Shoreditch
In March 2016, architects Waugh Thistleton revealed plans for a timber-framed office block in London’s Shoreditch.
The new nine-storey structure, covering 8,000 sq. m, is intended to replace the existing Development House at Leonard Circus and when completed will be one of London’s tallest modern timber-framed buildings.
The project highlights timber’s continuing resurgence as a building material, with Waugh Thistleton director Andrew Waugh suggesting “this is the beginning of the timber age”.
The building will utilise two types of engineered wood – glued laminated timber, or glulam as it is commonly known, which is made by layering and gluing multiple slices of wood together; and cross-laminated timber which involves arranging layers at right angles. Both have the advantage of being significantly stronger than regular timber.
The structure will be organised around a central core, and is divided into five quadrants. There will be a large ground level foyer as well as a series of vertical slices with sections of glazing around the perimeter offering light and ventilation. This will also allow passersby to see the timber floor plates through the windows.
Andrew Waugh said, “building in timber offers a number of advantages, including minimised time on site, and associated sound and waste disturbance. This translates to less impact on adjacent occupiers, street users and surrounding community.”
"This is a really exciting scheme that can transform one of the key development sites in Shoreditch by creating a truly iconic building," said Conrad Peberdy, director for property developer Ethical Property.
Other new London buildings to exploit timber include a 33-metre-high apartment block, also in Shoreditch, and a house for artist Richard Woods.
Renderings by ForbesMassie.
For more information, see Waugh Thistleton
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Read about Belgrade's Brutalist landmark - the Western City Gate.
Clean indoor air for healthy living
Read about the measures that can be taken by individuals to protect and minimise exposure to outdoor sourced air pollution.
Government announces leaseholds on new-build houses will be banned.
Transport Secretary announces public consultation into London's funding of Crossrail 2.
Architecture of concert stages
Have a look at some of the most impressive concert stage designs of all time, including Pink Floyd, U2, Rolling Stones, and more...
What is the Home Quality Mark? Find out how it can help you when buying/renting a new home.
Business Secretary launches £246m Faraday Challenge to establish UK as world leader in battery technology.
Government announces new plans for regulations to improve safety and security awareness of drone users.
Read our introductory article to the various different types of fuel.
IHBC book review: Charles Barry’s monumental struggle to rebuild the Houses of Parliament.
Read about RSHP's British Museum extension which has been shortlisted for the 2017 Stirling Prize.
Read our introductory article to building a house extension.
More updates from DCMS about the large-scale testing of cladding systems and the number of buildings affected.
UandI secure resolution to grant planning consent for major new regeneration project.
Grenfell Tower articles updated daily
