PLP Architecture and researchers from the University of Cambridge have revealed a concept for London's first wooden skyscraper – a 300-metre-tall addition to the Barbican housing estate.
Following the emerging trend for timber-framed high-rises, the 80-storey Oakwood Tower would have a timber frame.
PLP Architecture and Cambridge University's Department of Architecturedeveloped the proposal with engineer Smith and Wallwork to offer an alternative to traditional steel and concrete construction.
"The use of timber could transform the way we build in this city," said PLP partner Kevin Flanagan. "Timber buildings have the potential architecturally to create a more pleasing, relaxed, sociable and creative urban experience"
The conceptual scheme was presented to London mayor Boris Johnson yesterday. If realised, it could become London's second tallest building, after The Shard, and the tallest wooden structure in the world.
Up to 1,000 new homes could be included in the 93,000-square-metre floor plan, which would also include mid-rise terraces. Renderings show a pair of adjoining towers with chamfered corners and visible bracing.
300 metre tall wooden skyscraper Oakwood Tower at Barbican by PLP and University of Cambridge
Timber is being lauded as a lightweight and sustainable substitutefor traditional construction materials, which could also help to speed construction times and reduce carbon emissions.
"The use of timber as a structural material in tall buildings is an area of emerging interest for its variety of potential benefits; the most obvious being that it is a renewable resource, unlike prevailing construction methods which use concrete and steel," said a statement from the University of Cambridge.
The proposal is designed and engineered to stand, and to meet the fire regulations in place for concrete and steel buildings, but no timber building of this scale has ever been attempted.
The world's tallest wooden building to date is a 14-storey apartment block in Bergen, Norway, but several more are in the pipeline...