FEATURE: COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Building for a greener future
A civic hub, council headquarters and mainline rail station is currently under construction in Växjö. Photo © White Arkitekter
As we strive to create a more sustainable urban environment, there has been an increasing interest in timber as a construction material for commercial buildings
A
s global awareness of the
The roof of the development includes
The triangular facets created by the timber
devastating impact of climate
a pavilion restaurant and a landscaped roof
beams were infilled with inflated ETFE cushions
change continues to increase so
garden covered by a 310-metre-long semi open-
to create partial canopies and rainscreen roof
does the pressure to make our urban
air timber lattice roof. The uplifting environment
covering and cladding.
environment more sustainable.
of the roof garden and timber canopy is
The environmental credentials of timber
buildings are well documented and while timber is becoming a more popular choice
designed to feel like a sanctuary in the city, to reduce stress and provide a calm environment. The impressive structure was built without
for the construction of residential buildings,
the need for scaffolding, as the specialist
it is less widely used on commercial projects.
operatives worked safely from ‘cherry picker’
As the global population strives to do things
platforms – a technique pioneered by Canary
differently, it provides an ideal opportunity for
Wharf which is now standard industry practice.
timber to move into the mainstream. Sustainability is a huge focus for Canary
“Creating this structure was a whole new method of construction for Canary Wharf
Metal support nodes were bolted to the structure, on a triangular grid, then glulam
Wharf Group, which has completed five FSC-
beams were bolted to nodes creating a
certified projects, with seven applicant projects
progressive self-supporting structure.
The 310-metre long timber lattice net at Crossrail Place. Photo © Crossrail
in progress. These include 20 Fenchurch Street, commonly known as the Walkie Talkie, a commercial skyscraper which is home to a Sky Garden and restaurants, and Crossrail Place – the new home for Canary Wharf Crossrail station – which also includes retail and leisure space.
On the right track Built across six floors including the station ticket hall and platforms, the upper floors of Crossrail Place offer a mix of leisure facilities including a cinema, bars, restaurants and shops which opened to the public in 2015. The station won’t open until 2021 due to delays to the
The Sky Garden at Crossrail Place. Photo © Crossrail
Crossrail project.
Spring 2020
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