A very interesting tower for London as it is claimed it will be the world’s tallest (nine floors) wooden constructed residential building.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/1.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/stadhaus.jpg

http://www.waughthistleton.com/project.php?name=murray&img=4

“We are in the process of designing a new nine-storey residential building in Hackney, providing both private and affordable housing. Constructed entirely in timber, when completed it is set to be the tallest modern timber residential building in the world.

A modern and engaging counterpart to the 1950s and 60s ground hugging slab blocks next door; the building's striking façade has been inspired by the work of artists Gerhard Richter and Marcus Harvey. Recording the changing light and shadows formed on the vacant site by the surrounding buildings and trees, we captured the pattern through a sun-path animation before pixilating and blurring the result and wrapping the image around the building”.

Now the architect’s claims aren’t entirely true, the ground floor is actually concrete. Presumably this is a design response to our damp climate – however I have seen builds which follow a similar strategy; concrete ground floor with a reinforced timber-framed structure on the upper parts. The Stadthaus pushes the technology to the limits though by being nine storeys high.
A fascinating development for construction in London I think, a bold decision by the developers and a greener and more environmentally friendly building method.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London641.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London643.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London642.jpg

Hmm, the tallest WOODEN building...in Hackney? Well, that's just asking to be burnt down by vandals.

i read worlds tallest building then and thought you were taking the piss.

Cool building.

Yup, timber is experiencing something of a renaissance in building materials for residentials. Environmentally friendly too :).

For a nine floor building, I doubt any wood used will be load-bearing though. Probably steel frame/skeleton and superinsulated timber-'frame' construction between the beams, and a nice cedar wood clad for durability. Better than all this glass shit going up everywhere.

Cool, I used to live about a minute from here, there's a lot of building activity in this corner of Hoxton.

Oh, a worlds tallest.....add that to the list -

- Worlds Tallest Hospital
- Worlds Tallest Observation Wheel
- Worlds Tallest Wooden Building

:happy:

Hmm, the tallest WOODEN building...in Hackney? Well, that's just asking to be burnt down by vandals.
There was some posh block's of flats in York a couple of years age that caught fire during construction and also destroyed part of the adjoining occupied block. :ohno:

A few other timber blocks have been destroyed during construction due to arson.

( stories is high for timber, there was a fivestorey limit at one time). Onec all the plasterboards on it should be fir proof, but if details not built right and fire gets into cavity or roof voids then :ohno:

There was a research project to test multi storey timber framed structure a few years ago conducted in the old R101 Airship hanger at Cardington by various industry groups, and academics.

Well this has surprised me, I wasn't expecting to see such solid looking panels being used. Other wooden framed buildings I've seen have used an open frame-work reinforced with small metal elements. These appear to be bonded laminate panels which are extremely thick, it's hard to judge from ground level but they could be as much as six inches wide, very sturdy looking.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London862.jpg

SSC's first wooden core?

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London863.jpg

You can see here how the wooden storey's sit on the concrete base;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London868.jpg

Window openings are simply left as voids in the panels;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London876.jpg

You can see the thickness of the panels from these ones being stored on the site;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London867.jpg

A couple of carpenters were sawing away today. Walls and structure are created simultaneously;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London869.jpg

The only thing not immediately evident is how the panels are connected along their edges, bolted, screwed? If anyone knows anything more about these construction techniques let us know!

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London864.jpg

Fascinating, thanks for the update

Thanks for the update fitz, that's one of the most interesting updates ever. :D

This is an interesting build.

it will not be the worlds tallest wooden building.

Ikea blok

it will not be the worlds tallest wooden building.

No, I suspect the architects are playing with semantics they reckon;

"Constructed entirely in timber, when completed it is set to be the tallest modern timber residential building in the world".

Still interesting none the less.

modern? define modern? if they mean in terms of being built recently, its still not.

It's not even entirely timber, the ground floor as the photos show is concrete. But they are to be applauded I think for exploring a greener construction method and pushing the limits of the technology. If you know of other tall timber-constructed towers it would be fascinating to compare them gothic.

absolutely. it isnt fully timber framed! this one is more like it!

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1313NewEcoTowerApprovedInNorthLondon_pic1.jpg

Is that the one they are planning for Edmonton Green?

That's great gothic-who says modern architecture is rubbish? Looking at the cantilever on those balconies though it's hard to believe they're supported off an entirely wooden structure. I particularly like the imaginative roof profile, lovely.

more on it here -
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=1313

i dont know if the structure is entirely wooden. perhaps not. it is only partly wooden though but perhaps more extensively so than stadthaus.

I thought it was the one in Edmonton - they had a story about it in the local paper. I didn't like it at first, but its really grown on me. Edmonton Green is a right shithole, needs something to drag it out of the mire its in.

Could really do with more interesting landscaping though - some trees wouldnt go amiss, it would really help it blend in and stop it looking quite stark and overbearing.

A little more info from De Zeen magazine here;

The building has been designed using a cross-laminated timber panel system. The system has been pioneered by manufacturers KLH of Austria and is akin to jumbo plywood, arriving on site in panels up to 9m in length. This will be the first building in the world of this height to construct not only load-bearing walls and floor slabs but also stair and lift cores entirely from timber.

Each of the panels is prefabricated including cutouts for windows and doors. As the panels arrive on site they are immediately craned into position, dramatically reducing the time on site. The entire nine-story structure will be up and built within nine weeks.

Timber absorbs carbon throughout its natural life and continues to store that carbon when cut. The fabric of the Murray Grove tower will store over 181 tonnes of carbon. Additionally, by not using a reinforced concrete frame, a further 125 tonnes of carbon are saved from entering the atmosphere. This is equivalent to 21 years of carbon emissions from a building of this size.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/wt20facade.jpg

The concept for the façade is inspired by the work of artist Gerhard Richter. Recording the changing light and shadows formed on the vacant site by surrounding buildings and trees, the pattern was captured through a sun-path animation. The resulting image was pixellated and blurred, then picked up and wrapped around the building.

The exterior cladding forming this pixilated image is made up of over 5,000 individual panels across the building in three shades: white, grey and black. The 1200×150mm panels are manufactured by Eternit and made up of 70% waste timber.

Each of the twenty-nine apartments will have their own internal balcony and with the deep-set windows these will appear as the ‘missing pieces’ on the façade; an additional punctuated rhythm over the abstract image of the façade.

Oh, a worlds tallest.....add that to the list -

- Worlds Tallest Hospital
- Worlds Tallest Observation Wheel
- Worlds Tallest Wooden Building

:happy:

dont we have the worlds tallest free standing stone square tower? Victoria Tower?

^^ Possibly, we'll add to the list and if no-one objects we can assume that we do have another 'world's tallest' title ;)

A little more info from De Zeen magazine here;

The building has been designed using a cross-laminated timber panel system. The system has been pioneered by manufacturers KLH of Austria and is akin to jumbo plywood, arriving on site in panels up to 9m in length. This will be the first building in the world of this height to construct not only load-bearing walls and floor slabs but also stair and lift cores entirely from timber.

Each of the panels is prefabricated including cutouts for windows and doors. As the panels arrive on site they are immediately craned into position, dramatically reducing the time on site. The entire nine-story structure will be up and built within nine weeks.

Timber absorbs carbon throughout its natural life and continues to store that carbon when cut. The fabric of the Murray Grove tower will store over 181 tonnes of carbon. Additionally, by not using a reinforced concrete frame, a further 125 tonnes of carbon are saved from entering the atmosphere. This is equivalent to 21 years of carbon emissions from a building of this size.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/wt20facade.jpg

The concept for the façade is inspired by the work of artist Gerhard Richter. Recording the changing light and shadows formed on the vacant site by surrounding buildings and trees, the pattern was captured through a sun-path animation. The resulting image was pixellated and blurred, then picked up and wrapped around the building.

The exterior cladding forming this pixilated image is made up of over 5,000 individual panels across the building in three shades: white, grey and black. The 1200×150mm panels are manufactured by Eternit and made up of 70% waste timber.

Each of the twenty-nine apartments will have their own internal balcony and with the deep-set windows these will appear as the ‘missing pieces’ on the façade; an additional punctuated rhythm over the abstract image of the façade.


Very interesting!

double post...

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London954.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London959.jpg

Well this is shooting up fast, a nine week construction schedule I think for the main structure to go up and it certainly appears to be on track. Pity the white sheet is hiding what must be a visually weird looking build.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London1106.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/London1107.jpg

Literally around the corner on Forston St this small primary school extension shows another interesting use of wood for surface cladding.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London1108.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London1111.jpg

It's nicely detailed, modern design with sympathetic materials. The staircase must be a pleasure for the kids to climb.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London1112.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London1114.jpg

Hint of a structural facade?

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/London1115.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/London966-1.jpg

Nearby the stunning Bridge Academy School by BDP on Laburnam St is taking shape. A really wonderful design (wood again - the material of choice nowadays!) sited right next to the canal.

A nice video tour of the design here;

http://www.bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk/tour.htm

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/LNDN318-1.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/LNDN313.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/LNDN317.jpg

Around the back on the canal-side the central courtyard rooftop. Award winning stuff?

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/LNDN320-1.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/LNDN326.jpg

A couple of images showing the completed scheme.


http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/pp_Bridge-Academy1.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/pp_Bridge-Academy.jpg

Unfortunately this one is wrapped up tight and there's not much to see externally. It has topped out and reached full height now, the insulation layer of cladding has started to go on (waterproof membrane?) at first floor level;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/london/LNDN621.jpg

This is slowly being unwrapped now and the Richter-inspired facade can be seen. Although this build is more interesting for what can't be seen - the entirely timber framed structure from the first floor upwards!

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/LNDN018-2.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/LNDN014-2.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/LNDN019-1.jpg

A bit more of the facade is revealed;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/LNDN072.jpg

At the end of the road Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios East Road development is U/C.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/eastroad.jpg

I had a chat with the site manager today - if only all builds were so friendly! He told me that the green credentials of the building extend all the way through to the cladding which is 80% recycled wood fibre. He also said that all the flats were sold out months ago - completion is due around the end of November.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/23-10-0ct026.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/23-10-0ct027.jpg

Pixelated Gerhard Richter inspired cladding;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/23-10-0ct031.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/23-10-0ct030.jpg

That's quite nice actually, one of the better examples of random square cladding i've seen (of which i'm not generally a fan of).

Well the hoardings are still up but this looks complete externally apart from a couple of handrails still to be fixed etc. The cladding looks good, soft greys and the finish isn't too artificial looking. The only complaint is the regular SSC lament - if only it was taller!


http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/30nov08101.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/30nov08099.jpg

This is now completed and has proven to be a very significant addition to the London architectural scene.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109059.jpg

We can now see the ground floor complete and by cladding it in stone the architects have made a knowing reference to the fact that this floor is constructed in concrete;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109074.jpg

The rest of the structure as we know is entirely of wood; stairs, walls floors, ceilings etc plus it has recycled cladding. The first time this technique has been used on this scale in London;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109066.jpg

Small improvements have been made at ground level like the addition of a playground to the south of the building;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109068.jpg

And a little rebranding has taken place, the block is now called (perhaps more appropriately) the Graphite Apartments;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109073.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109075.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109061.jpg



One for the Completed Projects Thread Foxy!

I like it, and thanks for all your efforts in documenting this one.

Me too!
And thanks to both of you for updating this thread and the North London one.


What about the Bridge Academy Fitz? any progress? should nearing external completion by now...

A pleasure guys!
The Bridge Academy is complete Manuel and - I think occupied. I'll get some updated shots next time I'm in the area.

Excellent building, cheers fitz.

I'd be interested to see the academy building too.

of course you could just read about it on SSC for free!


http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/stadthaus-a-process-revealed/5205303.article
Stadthaus: A Process Revealed

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/1207259_photos.jpg

Waugh Thistleton’s Stadthaus, in Shoreditch, East London, is the tallest modern timber building in the world. A Process Revealed documents the building of this new nine storey apartment building whose construction holds a message for the future.


Publisher: FUEL, July 2009

Author Henrietta Thompson has collaborated with Waugh Thistleton Architects, engineers Techniker and timber suppliers KLH UK to produce a well documented narrative on the construction of Stadhaus.

The UK is in desperate need for sustainable, high density housing. For Thompson, timber could be the answer to the crisis. Timber absorbs carbon during its life and continues the storage when cut. As a result, Stadthaus stores over 186 tonnes of carbon, and by using timber rather than concrete for the building structure another 124 tonnes have been prevented from entering the earth’s atmosphere.

The book gets across the concept of speed of this method; in comparison to the 72 weeks for completion of a concrete framed building, Stadthaus took a mere 49 weeks to complete, with the timber structure erected over a nine week period.

Despite putting across such a strong case for future timber use on new projects, the tone of writing is obliging rather than contentious. It reads like an instruction manual designed to help, laying foundations for new buildings to be built in this way.

As if to prove this, the most encouraging part of the book is the final chapter, Future, which cites the problems with timber use and how best to solve them, as well as mentioning other schemes the architects are working on. The amount of photographs showing progress is slightly overdone in a book already filled with explanatory diagrams, but illustrates a good point. Together the diagrams and photographs reinforce the text.

The most surprising aspect is probably why this process has been used so sparsely in the past. The probable reason is people’s belief that steel and concrete are more secure than wood. Thompson ventures to suggest otherwise.

It may take more than a 90 page book to convince many of the strength of the architects’ propositions, but the book’s bright green significance leaves a sweet taste in the mouth, and, you would hope, will have a significant consequence on how buildings are designed from now on. Welcome to the 21st century of timber.

I'm sorry, yes it's innovative in construction but can anyone on here say it looks good? It just looks like 60's council housing that's had a reclad recently.

hello guys! it is gratifying to find a forum to continue this adificacion
since its inception. I wonder if anyone will have the ebook "a process
revealed "because in my country is almost impossible to get.

thanks in advance

This is certainly a refreshing use of natural materials to create a residential apartment block. However (forgive me if this sounds obvious), what precautions have been taken to fireproof the building? Surely a wooden structure will be much more prone to going up in flames should an apartment catch fire? Plus how is wood rot prevented - again wood is much more prone to rotting than say, concrete.

This is certainly a refreshing use of natural materials to create a residential apartment block. However (forgive me if this sounds obvious), what precautions have been taken to fireproof the building? Surely a wooden structure will be much more prone to going up in flames should an apartment catch fire? Plus how is wood rot prevented - again wood is much more prone to rotting than say, concrete.

because the wood is so thick (about 15 cms) only the surface burns. the rest would take so much longer to burn that if you were still in the building by then you would be dead anyway.

They have presumably pressure treated the Solid Wood Panels (basically jumbo plywood) with preservative and fire retardant.

I far as i remember the wood is non treated (better eco credentials)

about fireprotection in this project, Waugh said that the timber is self-protecting in these sense that it will char on the outside, preventing heat build-up at the center and allowin it to retain its strenght during fire for longer periods that steel or even concrete. As such, the panels were designed to resist fire by calculating charring rates.
"Generally, the panels were designed for fire resistance of 30 minutes and sized to retain their structural integrity with loss of secction," said Linegar. "Disregarding fire, the panels could have been thinner, perhaps three layers instead of five." However, the existing thickness combined with a layer of drywall alowed the design team to acheve fire resistance ratings of 60 and 90 minutes.

reference: http://www.structuremag.org/Archives/2009-8/F-NewHeights-Ward-Aug09.pdf

somebody have " A process revealed" in pdf or similar??? i need it, but in Chile isn't possible obtain it.

(apologize my english)

This project was completed long ago.