Technique

Regarded as a ground-breaking example of innovative commercial redevelopment, Technique utilises the benefits of a hybrid structural timber and steelwork solution - delivered by B&K Structures - to simultaneously revitalise the urban landscape, while also achieving excellent efficiency ratings.

Technique stands out as a truly unique commercial redevelopment of two adjoining mid-20^th century properties, located in Clerkenwell, London. It has succeeded in harmonising and extending the useable space in a way that offers exceptional flexibility in its new commercial role, while simultaneously achieving outstanding levels of sustainability. The imaginative yet sensitive unification of the two outdated industrial buildings has created three attractive new floors, which helped achieve the ambitious overall financial, practical and environmental goals for this building.

Working with developer General Projects, the client set out to deliver a development encapsulating high standards of architecture and specification, which would minimise waste of energy and resources. The result is a BREEAM Excellent rated building and Technique has earned wide acclaim for its attractive remodelling, utilising extensive elements of exposed engineered timber.

This integrated package was delivered by specialist timber subcontractor B&K Structures in collaboration with suppliers Binderholz (CLT) and Derix (Glulam). The quality and accuracy of the off-site manufacturing methods, in combination with advanced scheduling and site erection tools, helped attain program deadlines; while the use of timber meant lorry deliveries were cut by up to 70% - key for a site where space and complexity presented significant challenges.

The use of timber helped navigate a complex planning process and maximised the area uplift on a retained RC structure with serious existing limitations.

Amr Asaad, BGY:

“There were initial benefits [to using timber] such as the lower weight, requiring far less reinforcement of the foundations, and then the enhanced future flexibility it provides in terms of adapting the building to different needs.”

Andy Heyne, Partner at HTS:

“The dedication to aesthetic yet low environmental impact materials is carried throughout the entire building.  Significantly, the exposed structure celebrates the building by transposing a new CLT frame with the same grid; the timber slabs provide flexibility to connect floors with staircases, if required by a future multi-floor tenant"

Lee Roberts, Pre-Construction Director at B&K Structures:

“Technique is another fantastic addition to our commercial portfolio and showcases the benefits that a hybrid timber and steel solution can bring to complex refurbishment projects. The faultless design and build process by the BKS team is testament to our longstanding experience and expertise with this type of scheme.”

Sustainability and low carbon targets were crucial to the measured success of the project, and this was a key consideration throughout. In total, the 648.38 cubic metres of engineered timber supplied for the redevelopment carry 100% PEFC chain of custody and offer maximum points at MAT03 of BREEAM, while the Greenhouse gases stored during its growth amount to 484.3 tonnes of CO2e.  Thanks to the responsible management of European forests where the trees were sourced, from cradle to grave, the 374 Kg CO2e /m2 figure exceeds RIBA 2030 targets and equates to LETI Band A. Furthermore, as the timber was sourced from sustainably managed European forests, it can be shown to have regrown in just 142 seconds

The CLT used is formaldehyde-free and the adhesives in the timber Glulam conform to EN 301, formaldehyde class E1 - giving maximum points at BREEAM EA02 – contributing to Technique earning a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Technique emerges as a ground-breaking example of innovative commercial redevelopment. In essence, Technique not only revitalises the urban landscape through sustainable redevelopment, but also exemplifies a harmonious blend of architectural innovation and sustainability. As a pioneer in mass timber construction, it sets a precedent for future developments to follow.