Curtain Place

About The Building

Curtain Place, a mixed-use commercial and residential scheme located in Shoreditch, East London, is a ground-breaking project in terms of height and mass. This six-storey build is divided into three floors of office space and three of residential units, providing an outstanding example of how cross-laminated timber (CLT) is being used in a growing number of structures.

The Brief

B&K Structures were appointed by Gold Section Homes to fill a courtyard with a new mixed-use structure. As the project is located in an urban area, it was imperative to ensure that the CLT utilised the space effectively.

The first three floors were to consist of office space, with the top 3 floors being divided into nine separate two and three-bedroom apartments.

The Solution

CLT panels were used for the floors, lift shaft and stairs and were combined with steel columns and beams. The floor plates were supported on Westok beams, which enables a simpler integration of services throughout, creating an open-plan office environment. The cross-laminated timber was left visible in many areas of the office space, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

The apartments incorporate a pure CLT frame, designed in a more cellular layout than the office accommodation. All apartments have access to a shared terrace with views across the East London skyline. The build also boasts a green roof above the office space, incorporating wildlife and improving the biodiversity of the area.

Onsite activities were significantly reduced by painting the steel with intumescent paint offsite in order to protect the exposed steel in the office area. The use of cross-laminated timber also offers ease of fixings for following on trades, which was of particular advantage for the residential section of the build.