Black & White Building takes James Latham back to the future
THE BLACK & WHITE BUILDING in Shoreditch, London, is the latest in flexible workspaces from leading co-working provider The Office Group (TOG). A game-changing structure, designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects and Daytrip Studios, it showcases and celebrates the use of timber in contemporary urban architecture on every level. Furthermore, at 17.8m, it’s the tallest mass-timber commercial building in Central London, the first for over 400 years.
James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent architectural materials distributors, was approached by specialist façade contractor, Pacegrade Ltd, to provide timber for the building’s innovative high performance curtain walling system.
What makes The Black & White Building unique is its extensive use of timber through every aspect of the design and construction. The curtain wall façade is a particular highlight, with the architect keen to make as striking a visual first impression as possible.
As The Black & White building sits on the site of James Latham’s first warehouse, the architectural materials provider donated materials that led to the office space being furnished with finished pieces created along the lines of TOG’s ‘Makers & Mentors’ programme
As The Black & White building sits on the site of James Latham’s first warehouse, the architectural materials provider donated materials that led to the office space being furnished with finished pieces created along the lines of TOG’s ‘Makers & Mentors’ programme
Pacegrade realised they needed to use beautiful, sustainable wood with a stylish finish to meet the specifiers’ exacting brief. They immediately consulted with long-time distribution partner James Latham to identify the perfect timber. Following a consultation with Lathams dedicated façade-specification team, they opted for PEFC-certified Holz Schiller European Spruce. One of the most sustainably engineered woods on the market, the material met the project’s low-carbon requirements and provided the strength and finish required within the design brief.
Furthermore, when Daytrip Studios were looking for a suitable material for the feature hip-height skirting panels, they recommended Viroc. A robust composite panel, manufactured from pine wood particles, bound in cement, it’s suitable for internal and external applications. Perfect for busy, public environments like The Black & White Building, its impressive strength and durability resulted in the supply of 96 sheets in grey, ochre and red.
The Black & White building’s unique structure makes it the first mass-timber commercial building to be built in London in 400 years
James Latham’s involvement didn’t end there. The supply role quickly evolved and expanded when it was discovered the new building’s site was originally occupied by James Latham’s first warehouse, giving the project deep historic significance for the distributor. This subsequently led them to becoming a key materials partner for TOG’s furniture-focused ‘Makers & Mentors’ programme, with finished pieces, using James Latham donated materials, used within the finished building.
A landmark achievement in timber specification, The Black & White Building represents a seminal moment in timber design and construction, perfectly showcasing what gives this material such timeless appeal.www.lathamtimber.co.uk
