York Minster Centre of Excellence 

When we were approached to contribute to the Centre of Excellence at York Minster, we immediately recognised this as an extraordinary opportunity to support a project of global heritage significance. As glulam specialists, the prospect of creating structures to house the world’s first dedicated centre for stonemasonry apprentice training and international knowledge exchange was both inspiring and technically challenging. 

Our role involved working on two distinct but complementary buildings: supplying 10 cubic metres of spruce glulam for the Technology Hub’s roof structure, and 30 cubic metres of timber for the Heritage Quad – strategically combining spruce glulam internally with larch externally. The most significant challenge lay in achieving the architect’s vision of complex curved geometries using straight glulam elements, balancing architectural ambition with budget realities. 

The breakthrough came through innovative composite construction, where our glulam beams work together with curved plywood decking as a stressed skin system. This approach maximised structural efficiency while minimising material use. For the tightest radius sections, we developed experimental fabrication techniques using hand-scored plywood – cutting 5mm deep scores every 3mm to manipulate the material like planking a boat hull. Advanced 3D modelling enabled CNC machining to millimetre accuracy, achieving a remarkable 99% fit rate on site without adjustment. 

Working within York Minster’s constrained site conditions required careful logistics and precision manufacturing. Our pre-finished timber elements proved ideal for the tight access restrictions, being lightweight and easy to position manually where crane access was limited. The exposed glulam serves dual purposes as both structural element and interior finish, eliminating additional ceiling treatments while maintaining views of the Minster. 

We’re particularly proud that this project demonstrates how innovative timber engineering can achieve complex architectural visions within standard budgets, typically curved beam structures cost 1.5-2 times more than straight equivalents, but our approach delivered the desired aesthetic impact economically. The 40 cubic metres of sustainably sourced timber not only provides substantial carbon sequestration but establishes a template for how traditional craftsmanship can integrate seamlessly with modern manufacturing techniques in service of preserving heritage skills for future generations.