Tisserin was brought into the GSK development to elevate the roof design and create a visually striking architectural feature. After exploring several geometric concepts, the design team selected a timber diagrid roof as the optimal solution—combining aesthetic impact with structural efficiency. Tisserin’s role was to develop and deliver the scheme.

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The GSK Reception Building is a two-storey cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure with a composite timber diagrid roof, designed to create a visually striking and sustainable reception and office space.

The hardwood glulam diagrid spans approximately 100 sqm without internal columns, maintaining a consistent roof depth while forming a key interior feature. Careful alignment of the roof grid ensures the atrium ceiling frames the diagrid elegantly, with nodes positioned precisely at the atrium walls.

The client requested a more visually distinctive roof design, leading Tisserin to propose a timber diagrid with two-way long-span cantilevers and a double cantilever over the front. Sections extending beyond the perimeter walls required advanced detailing for durability in external conditions.

Structural solutions included bi-directional moment connections, composite action between glulam beams and CLT slabs using diagonal screws, concealed joints for exposed timber aesthetics and fire performance, and bespoke fabrication of all timber elements.

The project demonstrates advanced timber engineering through efficient cantilever design, durability planning, and sustainable structural innovation.

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