Formartine House - Harley Haddow

Introduction

Formartine House is a mixed-use development providing modern office and library accommodation for the council. The project features a mass timber superstructure formed from prefabricated CLT panels and Glulam beams, designed in line with Passivhaus principles to minimise operational energy demand. Extensive whole-life carbon assessments and embodied carbon studies were undertaken throughout the design process to guide low-carbon decision making.

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C&S Solutions

Harley Haddow designed the full mass timber superstructure, achieving a significant reduction in embodied carbon compared with a traditional steel and concrete solution. The timber approach enabled enhanced thermal performance and airtightness, supporting the building’s low-energy strategy. Circular economy principles guided the structural design, with demountable proprietary connections allowing the building to be disassembled or adapted in future.

Carbon & Sustainability

Mass timber technology reduced embodied carbon emissions by approximately 10%, based on direct comparison of structural options developed for the project. The prefabricated CLT and Glulam construction enabled high levels of airtightness suited to Passivhaus detailing, lowering long-term operational energy use. Whole life carbon modelling was integral from concept to delivery, ensuring that design decisions continually aligned with low-carbon and resource-efficient outcomes.

Collaboration

The project was delivered through close collaboration with the architect, contractor and council client team to ensure design, sustainability targets and construction sequencing were fully aligned. Workshops focused on carbon reduction, material efficiency and buildability enabled the mass timber strategy to be integrated seamlessly with the architectural intent and the building’s future community function.

Project awards

Structural Timber Awards – Commercial Project of The Year – Finalist