RISING from a compact urban site, the dRMM-designed WorkStack presents a new vision for high-density industrial space — with a minimal carbon footprint — for which it was crowned the best new commercial building at the Wood Awards 2024.
Located in Greenwich, London, WorkStack’s distinctive cantilevered form — which takes inspiration from how foresters will compose a ‘logstack’ to protect it from water — provides fourteen workshop units over five floors. The progressive overhang works as both solar shading and a covered delivery area.
Composed of stacked rectangular Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) boxes, each building element is designed to be as efficient as possible, with this engineered mass timber structure using steel, polycarbonate, glass and rubber only where function or regulation demands.
These panelised components, including the vast 19.2 metre CLT floor panels, were delivered in just 15 lorries, allowing for rapid assembly on site — with a team of 5-8 people able to install the entire frame in just nine weeks.
This innovative design approach also allowed for 21% less upfront embodied carbon than LETI’s 2030 Design Target (of 350 kgCO2/m²), and 44% less than RIBA’s 2030 Built Target for whole life carbon (of 750 kgCO2/m²), while sequestering 343 metric tonnes of carbon in the CLT structure.
Throughout the building, the load-bearing CLT walls and ceilings are left exposed, allowing the beauty of the timber to shine through — without the need for additional internal finishes — offering biophilic benefits to occupiers.
The simplicity of the finished structure belies the complex structural, fire safety and construction challenges cleverly resolved through the close collaboration of the entire project team, along with the London Fire Brigade and building control.
WorkStack was celebrated by the Wood Awards judges for demonstrating timber’s viability to create a new class of high density industrial buildings — one which can be replicated and integrated in mixed-use developments right across the UK.
The building was constructed by F Parkinson, with wood supplied by Hasslacher and Stora Enso. The structural engineers were Arup with changebuilding, and the mechanical and electrical engineers were WebbYates.
“It is a highly original approach to urban industrial design which is totally appropriate in a tight urban setting,” said Jim Greaves, lead Buildings judge of the Wood Awards and principal of Hopkins Architects.
“The simple yet effective use of CLT panels to create stacked, offset boxes delivers a variety of spaces and is a pragmatic and more spatially efficient alternative to low-rise industrial units in our cities.
“The form also demonstrates the structural potential of engineered timbers — with great thought given by the designers to all aspects of the design, including carbon, from forest through to end of life.”
David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK (organisers of the Wood Awards) applauded the considerate and innovative approach of the entire project team, whose vision has shone through on the finished building.
“Workstack is yet another example of a stunning commercial building made of mass timber — which is rapidly becoming the material of choice for developers, architects and engineers who want to build beautiful, efficient, and low-carbon workspaces.
“While some commercial buildings in London have struggled for occupancy post-pandemic, with more workers now either fully-remote or in hybrid roles, the demand for the low-carbon, natural spaces created through timber continues to grow.
“Exposed wooden surfaces within thoughtful designs like Workstack create great work environments where people want to be.
“Time and again, we are seeing developers who choose timber reap the benefits, rapidly achieving full occupancy.
“Congratulations to the entire team, from the suppliers and manufacturers to the architects, engineers, specialists and contractors on site. This award category is one which is fiercely competitive, and has been fully earned.”
The Wood Awards building judges, a team of world-leading professionals, visited all 18 buildings shortlisted before deciding the winners, in one of the UK’s most rigorous assessments for any competition.
As a not-for-profit competition, the Wood Awards can only happen with collaborative industry sponsorship.
A huge thank you for continued support from The Carpenters’ Company, American Hardwood Export Council and Timber Development UK.
See page 33 of our December 2024/January 2025 issue on our Back Issues page.
