with a bench made of the same
CLT as the superstructure
inviting use when meeting
neighbours as well as being
convenient to rest yourself and
grocery bags while fumbling
for keys.
On entering it is apparent
the exposed Cross Laminated
Timber (CLT) acts as the
superstructure for all walls,
floors and the roof with visible
construction joints expressing
the method of assembly.
Insulation with vapour barrier
and protecting sheeting are
applied to the outside face
before a self-supporting
brick rain-screen completes
the exterior thermal and
protective overcoat. Ceilings
are also left exposed with
the use of a fire retardant
clear varnish and acoustic
performance achieved using
resilient boards, insulation and
a floating timber floor above;
these also accommodating
6
the underfloor heating, power,
data and hot/cold water
services. The ability of the
CLT to serve as structure
and finish removed the need
for plasterboarded walls,
suspended ceilings, cornices,
skirtings, tiling and paint;
reducing by 15% the embodied
carbon of the building, its
construction cost and time
on site. Timber also has
inherently more robust and is
perhaps a better and warmer
domestic aesthetic. Window
seats, timber cabinetry and full
height doors some with leather
handles, others with bespoke
and articulated metal locks
continue the sense of home.
The project required a
comprehensive understanding
of the different materials
involved and their structural
properties as well as careful
detailing because many of
the loadbearing elements are
exposed.