Monday, December 1, 2025
The UK’s commitment to sustainable commercial development has taken a monumental stride forward with the appointment of McLaren Construction to deliver Xylo, a pioneering mass timber structure in the heart of London. Developed by the international real estate and development firm Global Holdings Management Group, the 100,000 sq ft building in Clerkenwell is poised to become the United Kingdom’s largest all-timber frame office block, setting a transformative new standard for low-carbon urban workplaces.
Xylo, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2028, is designed to be a high-quality, nine-floor workspace that seamlessly merges high-performance sustainability with premium occupant amenities. It features a striking 6.5 m vaulted entrance lobby, a 3,640 sq ft town hall space complete with an auditorium, a sophisticated restaurant, and multiple outdoor areas, including a 3,800 sq ft rooftop garden and five landscaped terraces that offer breathtaking, uninterrupted views across the capital.
The project is significant not only for its scale but for its deep, integrated commitment to environmental performance. Xylo represents a major step-change in sustainability, with the construction centred around carbon-sequestering timber and meticulous supply chain monitoring designed to radically reduce overall lifecycle emissions.
The building is engineered to achieve a trifecta of stringent environmental certifications: LETI Pioneer, NABERS UK 5.5-star, and BREEAM ‘Excellent’. Collectively, these targets confirm Xylo’s dedication to being one of the world’s most environmentally advanced office buildings.
Crucially, the building’s design promises substantial carbon savings:
The structural backbone of Xylo is built using a modular system of glulam beams and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). This mass timber structure is being supplied by Hybrid Structures, a William Hare Group company. By opting for timber over conventional steel and concrete, the project ensures that the building itself acts as a long-term carbon sink, storing over 2,400 tonnes of CO₂ throughout its functional life.
The modular, full timber-frame approach brings practical, long-term benefits to future occupiers. Timber structures are inherently adaptable, allowing spaces to be quickly and easily reconfigured over time. This design flexibility is crucial in a post-pandemic work environment, enabling tenants to effortlessly customise layouts for a wide range of uses, from traditional office setups and collaborative breakout areas to high-impact presentation rooms.
Following the completion of initial enabling works, McLaren Construction will now lead the delivery phase, working closely with a distinguished project team: Piercy & Co (Architects), Avison Young (Project Manager), Max Fordham (Services & Sustainability Engineers), and Heyne Tillett Steel (Structural and Civil Engineers).
Darren Gill, Managing Director for London & South at McLaren Construction, highlighted the complexity and innovation of the build. “This is a pioneering use of structural timber and off-site manufacturing to deliver a high level of buildability and sustainability on a typically tight central London site,” said Gill. “The result will be a landmark project that redefines what a sustainable, healthy workplace can be.”
Gill also emphasised the digital rigor involved, noting that digital information management systems are employed to monitor carbon emissions in real-time as the project progresses, ensuring strict adherence to the project’s ambitious sustainability targets.
Beyond its low-carbon credentials, Xylo places a significant focus on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and the wellness of its occupants. The deliberate use of natural and sustainable materials throughout the interiors, combined with energy-efficient systems and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials, aims to establish some of the best IEQ metrics in the UK.
Amenities designed to promote healthier daily routines include high-quality end-of-trip facilities, secure cycle parking, and extensive shower facilities, directly encouraging active commuting. Furthermore, the inclusion of a café and a dedicated yoga deck within the rooftop garden space reinforces the building’s commitment to holistic staff well-being.
Located at the intersection of some of London’s most dynamic creative and commercial districts—Clerkenwell, Bloomsbury, Farringdon, Holborn, and Kings Cross—Xylo boasts exceptional connectivity. It is a short walking distance from major transport hubs, including Farringdon station (Elizabeth Line, Thameslink) and King’s Cross St Pancras, cementing its accessibility for regional and international businesses.
Josh Lawrence, Chief Executive of Global Holdings Management Group UK, encapsulated the excitement surrounding the venture. “We are delighted to be working with McLaren to deliver Xylo – a game-changing project and a significant milestone for our industry,” Lawrence stated. “Xylo is going to be the perfect building for companies that are leaders in their fields, showcasing the most environmentally friendly technologies in a magnificent building, underpinned by a vibrant neighbourhood and abundant transport links.”
The construction of Xylo is more than just a commercial development; it serves as a powerful demonstration of the practical application of mass timber technology at scale within a densely built urban environment, providing a viable, replicable blueprint for the future of low-carbon commercial construction in the UK and beyond.
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Tags: BREEAM Excellent, CLT glulam structure, Global Holdings Group, low-carbon commercial building, mass timber construction, McLaren Construction, sustainable London workplace, UK largest timber office, Xylo Clerkenwell
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