Believe in Better Building
Structural Designer
Arup Associates and Engenuiti
Client Name
BSkyB
Location
London, United Kingdom
ARCHITECT
Arup Associates
MAIN CONTRACTOR
Mace
TIMBER FRAME AND TIMBER ENVELOPE CASSETTES SUB-CONTRACTOR
B+K Structures
CONCRETE SUBSTRUCTURE, GROUND WORKS AND UTILITIES SUB-CONTRACTOR
PJ Careys
PILING CONTRACTOR
Keltbray
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Believe in Better Building is a pioneering commercial office and training building commissioned by Sky, and one of very few multi-storey timber offices in the world. It was designed and built in less than one year, the structure being constructed in the centre of Sky’s operational campus, outside the CEO and executive offices, creating a real buzz as the kit-of-parts structure took shape over ten weeks. The Building was designed around principles of community focus, education, and super-flexibility, providing an inspirational space for school visits, training and office use.
Judge's comment:
A striking structure that demonstrates how the benefits of using low embodied energy timber in mid rise construction can lead to a below zero embodied carbon building. Further sustainability credentials include the removal of wet trades through timber prefabrication and very rapid and unobtrusive construction.