Monday, April 13, 2026
Construction is progressing steadily on Xylo, a nine-storey commercial office scheme in Clerkenwell. The project is set to become the largest consented all-timber frame office building in the United Kingdom. It marks a significant step forward for mass timber adoption in large-scale commercial developments.
The scheme is being delivered by Global Holdings Management Group. McLaren Construction has been appointed as the main contractor. Architectural design is led by Piercy&Company, while structural engineering is handled by Heyne Tillett Steel. The development replaces a former 1960s town hall building.
The project spans approximately 9,300 square metres. It will provide open-plan office space designed for modern occupier needs. Several amenities are also planned. These include a vaulted entrance lobby, rooftop garden, landscaped terraces, and a flexible town hall space. The design focuses on both usability and environmental performance.
At the centre of the scheme is a fully expressed engineered timber structure. The building rises across nine storeys. It uses a combination of glulam beams and cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor slabs. Together, these elements form a consistent 9m by 7m structural grid.
This grid allows for flexible office layouts. It also supports open-plan configurations. The structural system has been carefully optimised. Material efficiency has been prioritised throughout the design process. A clear architectural language has been achieved.
Close collaboration has been maintained between the engineering and design teams. A streamlined structural solution has been developed. Shallow foundations are being used. Material use has been minimised across the building.
The timber frame is being delivered by Hybrid Structures. The company specialises in off-site fabrication. Precision manufacturing techniques are being utilised. Prefabricated components are then assembled on-site.
This approach brings several advantages. Construction time is reduced. Waste generation is minimised. Quality control is improved. It is particularly beneficial on constrained urban sites such as Clerkenwell. Logistics are simplified. Installation becomes more efficient.
Sustainability is a major driver behind the project. The timber structure is expected to store over 2,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This is a significant environmental benefit. It contributes to long-term carbon sequestration.
Embodied carbon levels are projected to be around 50% lower than a typical London office building. This represents a notable reduction. Operational emissions are also expected to decrease substantially. A reduction of up to 82% has been targeted.
Energy-efficient systems are being integrated throughout the building. Low-VOC materials are being specified. Natural finishes will be used extensively. Indoor environmental quality has been prioritised. High standards are being targeted.
The use of timber plays a key role in achieving these goals. It provides both structural and environmental advantages. Renewable materials are being prioritised. The approach reflects wider industry trends.
Flexibility has also been built into the design. The modular timber system allows for future adaptation. Spaces can be reconfigured with relative ease. This ensures long-term usability. Changing occupier requirements can be accommodated.
The building has been designed with longevity in mind. Adaptability is a core feature. This reduces the need for future structural interventions. Lifecycle performance is improved.
As construction continues, Xylo is emerging as a flagship development. It demonstrates how mass timber can be used at scale. Commercial viability is being proven. Environmental performance is being enhanced.
The project reflects a shift in construction practices. Timber is gaining wider acceptance in urban developments. Engineers and architects are exploring new possibilities. Innovation is being encouraged across the sector.
Xylo stands as a benchmark for future office schemes. It combines sustainability, flexibility, and design efficiency. The project signals a clear direction for the industry. Low-carbon construction is becoming increasingly central.
Once completed, the building is expected to set new standards. It will showcase the potential of engineered timber. The development reinforces London’s position as a leader in sustainable architecture.
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Tags: CLT building London\, commercial timber development, engineered timber building, mass timber construction, timber office building UK, woodworking industry, woodworking UK, Xylo
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