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Another benefit is that mass timber buildings can be leased earlier; even during the construction phase. This is desirable for developers who take on huge financial risks by having buildings standing empty.
When it comes to sustainability, we can also accurately quantify the positive effect of mass timber on the environment relative to other building materials. But there is crucially a softer benefit to the material in its ability to bring the outside in and create a more nature-friendly aesthetic. That attracts tenants who wish to align their brand with sustainable values .
TTJ: Stora Enso also highlights the flexibility of CLT when it comes to the aesthetic required. MD: Yes, the quality of the finish can be adjusted according to how the CLT will be expressed in the building. For example, the industrial visual quality has some imperfections and is therefore best suited to a less demanding visual application, such as a ceiling. Whereas there are visual quality options that have a high-end finish where the placement plays a crucial role in the interior design.
TTJ: How does the timber hybrid approach compare cost-wise ? MD: According to studies by professional surveyors, mass timber is approximately the same price as steel and slightly more expensive than concrete. However, concrete requires a significantly higher number of truck deliveries, and needs time to dry on site, which mass timber does not. That means the economic equation can change significantly when the full picture is factored in. Combined with the other economic incentives, such as earlier leasing, not to mention the sustainability and well-being advantages, and mass timber should be a material considered by almost all project developers. Timber Square now stands on south London’s skyline as a constant reminder that we don’t need to sacrifice sustainability for sensible costs or spectacular design.■
Above: Exposure to natural materials has well-being benefits
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2025 | TTJ Above: Access to the outdoors and greenery is a feature
◄ The new block and the extension both use a hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) and steel frame structure based on Stora Enso’s Sylva building system. According to the company, together the buildings comprise the largest commercial development in the UK using CLT.
Developers Landsec started putting the pieces together for development of the site at 25 Lavington Street, which comprised a former timber yard as well as the print works, in 2019. From the inception, the priority of it and architects Bennetts Associates was to create a commercial space that was net zero carbon in construction and operation, in line with UK Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework.
“We’re in the midst of a climate emergency and at Landsec sustainability is the lens through which we make all decisions,” said the company’s head of occupier markets Matthew Flood. “Real estate is responsible for 40% of carbon emissions so we have to be part of the solution.”
“Climate change poses an existential threat to all life on this planet – and there’s a huge amount the built environment can do to improve its carbon impact,” added Bennetts Associates director Peter Fisher. Landsec and Bennetts have worked together previously and say they always tried to push the boundaries in terms of sustainability. ►
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