Wooden Roof

We took full advantage of the natural structural capacity and low thermal conductivity of wood. The entire conservatory, from the roof, to the window and door, was made from the same species of acetylated wood components, which is known for its durability and dimensional stability. To achieve the high level of dimensional accuracy required for the joinery all the timber elements were prefabricated and cut using a 5-axis CNC cutting machine. This enabled the planned roof falls to be installed correctly and easily on site, which also minimised off-cuts and wastage. Digital models of the structure, which were used by the fabricators, ensured that a neat fit at complicated junctions could be achieved and ensured that when on-site the components fit together easily.

For this project, the decision was made to use Accoya® which is an acetylated softwood. Externally the wooden faces are fully exposed and charred, using the traditional Japanese method of Yakisgui, to protect against moisture, insects and rot. The treatment allows the wood an extended durability life in exposed uses of up to 50 years.

Re-using the existing concrete slab, using timber as the main structural material, and eliminating the need for extensive finishes, meant we were able to minimise the embodied carbon of the structure, keeping it to a total of 156 kgCO₂e/m², and ensure the whole building to come in below the RIBA 2030 targets.