On the back of winning the Timber Trade Journal (TTJ) Award for the Commercial Use of Timber in Construction for the acclaimed Spinningfields Pavilion, the team at B&K Structures are celebrating once again having picked up another two trophies at the Structural Timber Awards.
Acknowledged as one of the most fiercely contested awards in the construction calendar – against stiff competition, B&K Structures won both the Commercial Project of the Year and Best Use of Solid Wood for the ground-breaking Jaguar Land Rover expansion scheme.
As the largest engineered timber roof structure in the country – this project was a UK first.
In close collaboration with main contractor Laing O’Rourke and construction partners, Buro Happold, Binderholz and Derix – B&K Structures designed, engineered and installed this vast cross-laminated timber and glulam roof. Reflecting the design quality and company values associated with one of Britain’s most iconic businesses, this ground-breaking roof structure with outstanding green credentials brings together a diverse range of spaces and facilities for Jaguar Land Rover.
Andy Goodwin, Managing Director for B&K Structures commented: “Breaking new ground is never easy and this project presented some immense challenges, but we did it! This sector thrives on innovation and it is great to be acknowledged at this prestigious event by such a distinguished panel of judges.”
Encompassing 1,512m³ of glulam beams manufactured by Derix and 2,674m³ of cross-laminated timber panels manufactured by Binderholz, the engineered timber roof makes a vast design statement covering an area of 51,097m2 (GIA). The engineered timber roof was delivered through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) processes. Such a methodology has an affinity with one of the core activities at the heart of JLR. The design and connection detailing were optimised and tested in a virtual and pre-production environment before reaching the full manufacturing process, reducing costly reworks and errors onsite.
Chris Elliott, Programme Director for Jaguar Land Rover said: “The new design and engineering centre is a testament both to JLR’s British heritage of innovation and its compelling vision for future technology. The new space will centralise our design, product engineering and purchasing functions in an original and modern environment, as well as create additional capacity for the future.”
Attended by over 500 construction professionals, the Structural Timber Awards took place at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham and was hosted this year by master of mimicry - Alistair McGowan. The 2019 awards surpassed all previous events in terms of the calibre of entries with 250 entrants and over 70 companies shortlisted, this year’s Structural Timber Award judges had an onerous job of selecting the winners.
And the final word goes to the judges: “It is highly commendable that B&K Structures have designed and delivered the largest roof decking project to date. This beautiful timber structure meets the needs of a modern innovative business such as Jaguar Land Rover. The impressive spans and scale are a fantastic advertisement for timber construction!”
Cross-laminated timber was ideal for this project because of its airtightness and carbon sequestration benefits. Left exposed, it creates a natural, inviting and calming environment with enhanced acoustic properties that dampen sound, generating pleasant and peaceful workspaces. Through the application of natural wood, visitors are provided with an insight into JRL’s culture and sustainable beliefs. The design and the extensive use of engineered timber provides an aesthetically appealing environment.
To learn more about this multi-award-winning project go to: www.bkstructures.co.uk/case-studies/jaguar-land-rover-expansion-scheme
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