lean too!
hackney, london
the scheme was conceived on quality rather than quantity of interventions. by choosing to retain as much existing building fabric, we created a low carbon outcome.
design team
client: private
structure: foster structures
contractor: patriot db services
building control: assent bc
laminated timber beams: sebastian cox
materials
mixed species laminated timber beams
cellular glass insulation
standing seam zinc roofing
low carbon screed pocket
reclaimed woodblock parquet
terrazzo floor tile
crittall steel windows & doors
design
lean was the driving idea.
first by making the most use of the existing fabric and introducing only minimal structural alterations we were able to immediatly reduce the carbon footprint by taping into the existing material bank.
a slender, continous timber frame structure was designed forming a bird-wing roof that was the optimal solution given the site constraints of a conservation area setting.
the desire to commission sebastian cox to create a one-off all timber structure, was bold and the design team rised up to the challenge. stephen foster was able to balance the structural solution to align with the overarching architectural principle of the lean-to.
the unique story contained in the laminated beams – 4 species of timber – expertly crafted by sebastian cox, collaboratively modelled, tested and installed was a testament to the design team and client ambition.
construction
an experimental carbon negative cement screed was developed by the client, while edwardian oak woodblock floor was salvaged from another site and laid to the ground floor.
reducing oil-based materials was key and cellular glass insulation was chosen, while recycled plastic was used for decorative surfaces.
completed project