Sky's

Sky’s new multi-storey timber commercial office in the UK, the educational facility demonstrates the use of offsite prefabrication and timber construction.

Under the banner of Believe in Better Buildings (BiBB), Sky’s new educational facility for graduates, apprentices and staff training, reflects the company’s sustainable aspirations. Based at the Campus at Osterley, West London, the 3,000m2 development encompasses a three-storey linear building with an additional storey accommodating a restaurant and roof terrace, all providing an inviting multifunctional amenity.

In addition to sustainability, speed and ease of construction were the driving factors on this project. The objective of the project was to construct a low energy structure within a short time period, making solid timber and timber cassettes the optimum rapid and sustainable solution.

The educational facility is the first building to be completed in a series of three in the Sky Believe in Better Building project at the site.

Key Challenges

The main challenge for this build was adhering to strict programme of works in order to complete the structure on time, whilst simultaneously minimising disruption to the surrounding areas. The Sky Campus was operational throughout the build and the project itself needed to be complete for Sky’s 25th Anniversary.

The Solution

In order to overcome these challenges, careful scheduling and coordination were executed at the early stages of the development. The design process was made simple and repetitive in order to be completed within the strict build time. B&K Structures robust supply chain made the preparation more efficient when it came to management of the products.

Comprised of a glulam frame with cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor, roof and stability walls, together with perimeter wall cassettes, Sky BiBB used a vast array of materials. The structure was designed to deliver permanent quality, adaptability and long term energy efficiency to meet sustainability objectives.

Whilst an engineered timber industrial system was specified as it allows for rapid assembly and offers excellent airtightness through insulated panel facades, it was also chosen for its unique wellness properties.

The solid timber frame was able to meet the natural look and feel that Sky were looking for; the impact on stress and mood that exposed internal timber provides is well documented. Sky chose to leave a majority of the building exposed, as seen from the internal photos provided.

The building, now valued at circa £14m, incorporates sustainable features such as a rainwater harvesting system, solar panels and high-efficiency lighting to minimise energy consumption.

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