The Black & White Building was a landmark in London’s skyline. It was the tallest mass timber office building in central London, standing at 17.8 metres high and five stories tall. Mass timber was a type of engineered wood that was strong, light, and sustainable. The building used four different types of mass timber: laminated veneer lumber, cross-laminated timber, tulipwood, and glulam.
The building was designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects for The Office Group, a company that provided flexible workspaces for creative businesses. The architects wanted to create a modern and elegant office that showcased the beauty and versatility of wood. They also wanted to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction process by using renewable materials.
The Black & White Building had a striking facade that contrasted black glulam beams with white tulipwood slats. The slats acted as solar shading devices that reduced heat gain and glare while allowing natural light to enter the offices. The interior was spacious and bright, with exposed wood surfaces creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The building also featured a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
The Black & White Building was not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of innovation and sustainability. It demonstrated how mass timber could be used to create high-performance buildings that were beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly.