Industry Services
Industry Services
Name: Jim Johnstone, Role: Director
Organisation: ConstruktCLT
As organisations seek workplaces that support both occupant wellbeing and environmental performance, mass timber is increasingly being considered for commercial buildings. Jim Johnstone explores how cross-laminated timber can contribute to flexible, high-quality office environments through two recent UK projects.
ConstruktCLT works with architects, engineers, developers and contractors to support the detailing, fabrication and assembly of cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings across the UK. Through collaboration with manufacturing and construction partners in the UK and Europe, the company contributes to the delivery of commercial, residential and mixed-use mass timber projects.
Expectations of the modern workplace continue to evolve. Alongside operational efficiency, organisations increasingly seek buildings that support occupant wellbeing, provide adaptable working environments and contribute to wider environmental objectives.
Research into biophilic design suggests that incorporating natural materials, daylight and connections with nature can have positive effects on occupant wellbeing and workplace satisfaction.[1] Timber Development UK also reports that workplaces incorporating biophilic design principles may improve employee wellbeing and workplace performance when combined with other environmental design measures.[2]
Within this context, exposed timber structures are increasingly being specified for commercial developments. Rather than concealing the primary structure behind internal finishes, CLT can form part of the finished architectural expression, providing a distinctive internal character while reducing the need for additional lining materials.
Large structural spans and the dimensional stability of engineered timber can also support flexible floor layouts that can be adapted as workplace requirements change.
Beyond visual appearance, mass timber buildings may contribute to internal environmental quality through the considered integration of daylight, natural ventilation, acoustic design and humidity management. These characteristics are determined by the overall building design rather than by timber alone but can be effectively incorporated within mass timber projects.
Royalty Studios demonstrates the use of CLT for the vertical extension of an existing building using the Dutch concept of Optoppen.
The rooftop extension was constructed using CLT, taking advantage of its high strength-to-weight ratio. Compared with many conventional structural systems, the relatively low structural weight of mass timber can reduce the additional loading placed on an existing building, making vertical extensions feasible where structural assessments permit.
The project also incorporated Rothoblaas Spider connectors to create large-span timber floor plates supported by two internal glulam columns on each floor. The connection system transfers structural loads through the CLT floor construction while reducing the need for additional beams, helping to create adaptable open-plan workspace.
The project illustrates how vertical extension using mass timber can create additional commercial floor space while retaining existing buildings. Reusing the existing structure can reduce material consumption and demolition waste and may reduce embodied carbon compared with complete redevelopment, subject to project-specific whole-life assessment.
Beeches demonstrates the use of CLT within a purpose-built office development.
The exposed timber structure forms both the primary structural system and a defining architectural feature throughout the building. Open-plan layouts, generous internal volumes and visible timber elements create flexible workspace while reducing reliance on secondary internal finishes.
The project also illustrates the precision associated with digitally manufactured timber systems, supporting efficient on-site assembly and close coordination between design, manufacture and construction teams.
Together with Royalty Studios, Beeches demonstrates how mass timber can be applied across both new-build and refurbishment projects to meet differing commercial requirements.
As commercial clients increasingly consider operational performance alongside environmental objectives, mass timber is becoming an established structural option for a wider range of workplace projects.
Projects such as Royalty Studios and Beeches demonstrate how engineered timber can support adaptable commercial buildings while contributing to high-quality internal environments. When combined with appropriate design, engineering and construction expertise, mass timber offers a practical structural solution for offices that seek to balance architectural quality, efficient construction and reduced embodied carbon.
[1] Kellert SR, Heerwagen JH, Mador ML. Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Hoboken: Wiley; 2008.
[2] Timber Development UK. Is mass timber the future of the workplace? Available at: https://timberdevelopment.uk/is-mass-timber-the-future-of-the-workplace/
[3] Work Design Magazine. Mass timber meets workplace wellness. 2025.
