Foster + Partners New Mixed-Use Cross Laminated Timber Development in London Wins City Approval

Working closely with the Westminster City Council and local residents, Foster + Partners has been granted approval for the construction of new mixed-used cross-laminated timber development in London. The building dubbed “The William” will be one of London’s largest developments and Foster + Partners first timber office building in the city.

Speaking about “The William”, Foster + Partners senior director Patrick Campbell said, “We have designed a mixed-use development that sets the standard for the next generation of low carbon, healthy office buildings.” The new building will provide “natural ventilation, great daylight, flexible floorplates, and green terraces – all within a high-performance façade and hybrid timber structure. We are now looking forward to bringing our design to life.”

As reported by The Architect’s Journal, the process will see the demolition of a four-story 1950s housing block to be replaced by a pair of new seven-story mixed-use buildings. Both buildings will contain street-level retail, with one holding 32 residential units, and the other holding 90,000 square feet of office space.

Inside, the scheme will feature a double-height lobby containing art installations, as well as terraces and rooftop spaces overlooking Hyde Park. Meanwhile, 11 of the 32 residential homes have been earmarked as affordable units. According to the team, the buildings will achieve BREEAM Outstanding once completed and will be operationally net-zero carbon.