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Japanese inspire glulam oak frame
Built on a constrained London site to create a family home, Niwa House uses a finely detailed oak glulam frame as its primary structure, stabilised by stone walls that also contribute thermal mass. The arrangement of the timber elements is influenced by the form of a traditional Japanese torii gate.
Xylotek carried out the detail design, fabrication, and installation of the exposed glulam frame. The primary beams are typically supported by pairs of two-storey columns, symmetrically cantilevering to carry a layer of joists above. Connections were developed to minimise visible fixings and to achieve the required finish for an exposed structural system.
The frame rises from the lower basement level, and its installation required careful sequencing to accommodate the tight site and restricted access. The completed structure integrates with the stone elements and wider design to form the architectural and structural character of the house.
