America’s most prolific hardwood – Red Oak – is the lead story at Bloomberg’s European headquarters in London. Already tagged as “the world’s most sustainable office building,” the 1.1 million ft² structure is all about “warmth, well-being and WOW factor!” And the aesthetic and performance appeal of red oak make up the reason why.

Because of its pinkish hue and technical properties, designers Foster + Partners, London, relied heavily on Red Oak to attain Bloomberg’s desire that the structure be “historically rooted in its place through the palette of materials” used.

According to project architect Michael Jones, Red Oak was the species of choice because “we wanted a species with warmth that would mellow and mature with age. Businesses now want their buildings to have a different sense of personality, and be more responsive to people who work in them. Timber is rather successful in delivering both these things.”

Just how big a statement is Red Oak making?

• The entrance hall, called The Vortex, features 1,858 m² (19,999.35 ft²) of red oak cladding on its intersecting arching walls.
• The flooring throughout the structure required 37,160 m² (399,986.91 ft²) of red oak, innovatively adapted and specially treated to minimize noise and ensure durability.

When asked if Red Oak will be used in future projects; Jones’ response was, ‘why not?’ “Bloomberg loves the result and so do we.”

For a closer look at this unique project, visit www.americanhardwood.org.

Photo credit: Nigel Young/Foster + Partners