Waugh Thistleton designs timber-framed Maidenhead office block

Waugh Thistleton Architects has lodged proposals for a six-storey office building in Maidenhead that will feature a timber superstructure.

The project, for developer HUB and Norwegian financial baker Smedvig, will form part of the One Maidenhead mixed-use town-centre redevelopment – previously known as the Landing. It features more than 400 new homes and was designed by Studio Egret West.

Cross-laminated-timber specialist Waugh Thistleton’s office building is targeting a BREEAM “outstanding” rating and WELL “platinum” certification.

The project is named Trehus, which is Norwegian for “house of wood”.

Smedvig chief executive Cecilie W Melbye said the business had successfully developed timber-framed structures in Norway, but that Trehus would be its first such scheme in the UK.

Waugh Thistleton associate director Kirsten Haggart said the project would be a “landmark” for the Berkshire town in terms of both its central location and its ambitious low-carbon credentials.

“Close collaboration with local stakeholders, our consultant partners and HUB has resulted in a building that will enhance its local context and have minimal impact on the environment,” she said. “It sets a high standard in the area for high quality sustainable office design.”