Hoare Lea, part of the Tetra Tech High Performance Buildings Group, created a pioneering design at the 15-story Timber Square in London that delivers a low-carbon building, prioritizing climate commitments and workplace comfort.
Challenge
Landsec ambitiously sought to create an exemplar workplace that aligned with their net-zero carbon commitments. Timber Square sets a new benchmark in the United Kingdom (UK) by seamlessly blending sustainability, people-centric principles, and commercial demands, pushing the boundaries of hybrid timber construction on an unprecedented scale. A quarter of the building was retained to mix old and new elements, using natural and recycled materials and capitalizing on opportunities to minimize embodied carbon.
Solution
Tetra Tech collaborated closely with Landsec and the wider team to develop a rigorous and innovative solution that addressed the client’s objectives. Tetra Tech utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the BIM360 platform, enabling remote collaboration and fostering efficient communication between teams. We embraced the use of natural and recycled materials with a specific focus on Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). By opting for timber instead of materials like steel and cement, Tetra Tech minimized the release of carbon emissions, as wood acts as a carbon sink.
Benefits
With safe spaces to suit a mix of occupants, visitors, and residents, the building will provide a porous public realm with connecting routes to open the site to its local context, prioritizing human-centric, health-focused design and promoting occupational comfort and physical and mental wellbeing. Looking at the bigger picture, timber is classified as a renewable material, and the carbon emissions released during the processing and production are low.
By considering carbon at every stage of the project and undertaking whole life carbon assessments, Timber Square achieved a significantly reduced carbon footprint. The use of CLT contributed to the sequestration of carbon, further enhancing the project’s sustainability credentials. Tetra Tech’s innovative use of technology, collaborative approach, and focus on sustainable engineering ensured that the client achieved their goals of a low-carbon, occupant-centric, and environmentally responsible building.
Timber Square is on target to achieve a 5 Star NABERS UK rating.
At a glance
Client
Landsec
Architect
Bennetts Associates
Completion date
2023
Services
Project by
Hoare Lea