New Wave House

Project Info

This resourceful rooftop extension uses mass timber to add 495sqm of flexible workspace to the top of an existing light industrial building in North London.  

Demonstrating how timber construction paired with circularity can deliver generous architecture with minimal environmental impact, New Wave House sets a precedent for low-carbon urban development.

At the heart of the scheme is a lightweight Douglas fir glulam structure, chosen for its low embodied carbon and durability. The extension rests on the existing structure’s load-bearing walls, avoiding disruptive structural interventions and preserving the existing footprint of the building while expanding floor area by 40%.

The glulam was fabricated on-site in the contractor/client New Wave London’s joinery workshop, reducing transport emissions and allowing full control over waste and detailing. Every timber element was handled with care: offcuts were reused to make freestanding furniture, and components were lifted directly onto the roof. Internally, the exposed timber frame defines the character of the space, creating an elegant, calm and tactile interior.

Sustainability and material reuse were central to the project, with insulated roof panels from the existing building repurposed in the new envelope, while additional timber, lime render, insulation and fixtures were salvaged from previous projects. Natural ventilation, passive solar strategies and a planted roof terrace contribute to biodiversity and energy performance, resulting in a 25% decrease in energy use per m².

Additional credits 

Planning Consultant: Montagu Evans

Building Control: Assent Building Control Ltd