FEATURE
The new development replaces a 1950s structure with a new four-storey stand that has been designed to significantly improve the view for spectators , whilst also exceeding best practice standards for accessibility so that it is fully inclusive . It will have 2 656 seats with improved sightlines , a new match control suite and better facilities including four bars and a restaurant on the top level .
The new building sits between the historic Grade II listed Pavilion , designed by architect Thomas Verity , and built in 1890 , and the Grand Stand , designed by Nicholas Grimshaw and built in1996 .
Spaces within the building include a state-of-the-art match control suite for officials and the emergency services , bars and other facilities for spectators , and a 135-cover restaurant with magnificent views over the ground .
Sustainability has also been at the forefront of the design thinking . Solar thermal and photovoltaic roof panels have been incorporated into the roof to generate hot water and electricity respectively .
ABOUT AMERICAN WHITE OAK
There is no other construction material that comes close to timber in its potential to positively impact the built environment . In both growth and use , timber acts as a carbon store making the use of timber a low carbon option ; and the more we use the better .
The choice of American white oak for the glulam beams , which Arup had pioneered for the courtyard roof of Portcullis House in 2001 , was driven by its excellent strength properties relative to its weight allowing the beams to be more slender than if they had been made from constructional softwood . It also increased their durability and offered a high-quality architectural finish .
American white oak is one of the most popular species from the U . S . hardwood forests and is unique to North America . Forest Inventory Analysis ( FIA ) data shows U . S . white oak makes up 15.7 % of total forest cover and that while 20.9 million m 3 of American white oak are harvested each year , nearly 40 million m 3 are growing in the hardwood forests in the same period .
In total , 100m 3 of Number 1 . Common grade American white oak was used to create the 11 beams in the new Warner Stand . It would take only 160 seconds for this material to be replaced through natural growth across the vast American forests .
ABOUT THE WARNER STAND AND MCC
The new Warner Stand is the first phase of MCC ’ s ambitious masterplan-led redevelopment and is located in the western corner of Lord ’ s Cricket Ground .
Lord ’ s is not a traditional stadium , in the sense that the various stands that surround the pitch each have a separate identity that contribute to the character of the Ground . Inserting a new building with its own clear and confident identity into this existing ‘ campus ’ of buildings , without dominating the overall composition , has been the main architectural challenge for the project .
• Glue laminated beams manufactured by Hess Timber .
• American white oak lumber supplied by Robinson Lumber .
American white oak glue laminated beams radiate dramatically from the corner of the ground .
ABOUT AHEC
For over 20 years the American Hardwood Export Council ( AHEC ) has been at the forefront of wood promotion in Europe , successfully building a distinctive and creative brand for U . S . hardwoods . AHEC ’ s support for creative structural projects such as Timber Wave , Endless Stair , and The Smile , for the London Design Festival demonstrate the enormous potential for commercial structural applications . These sustainable materials will provide valuable inspiration to designers , structural engineers , and architects alike .
ABOUT POPULOUS
Populous is a global architecture and design firm that designs the places where people love to be together , like Yankee Stadium , the London Olympics , and the Super Bowl . Over the last 30 years , the firm has designed more than 2 000 projects worth USD40-billion across emerging and established markets . Populous ’ comprehensive services include architecture , interior design , event planning and overlay , branded environments , wayfinding , and graphics , planning and urban design , landscape architecture , aviation and transport design , hotels and hospitality and sustainable design consulting . Populous has 17 offices on four continents with regional centres in London , Kansas City and Brisbane .
ABOUT ARUP
Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world ’ s most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry . The company offers a broad range of professional services that combine to make a real difference to our clients and the communities in which it works .
It is a truly global organisation . From 92 offices in 40 countries Arup ' s 13 000 planners , designers , engineers , and consultants deliver innovative projects across the world with creativity and passion .
Founded in 1946 with an enduring set of values , our unique trust ownership fosters a distinctive culture and an intellectual independence that encourages collaborative working . This is reflected in everything Arup does , allowing the company to develop meaningful ideas , help shape agendas and deliver results that frequently surpass the expectations of clients .
The people at Arup are driven to find a better way and to deliver better solutions for their clients .
28 DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 // www . timberiq . co . za