Lowfield Green, York

An open-plan, light-filled design showcasing the pioneering use of OSB for multi-storey buildings, as featured on Grand Designs.

A brief to maximise light, space and flexibility of internal layouts provided a platform to drive design and engineering innovation, showcasing the growing capabilities of our system to push the boundaries of what is possible in the architectural use of OSB.

The resulting three-storey home features large glazed areas on the front and rear elevations, filling the structure with light. Through ongoing R&D and collaboration with system engineers Price&Myers, we achieved unsupported spans of 7 meters for floor and roof cassettes, integral to creating the open plan living space.

With insulated cassettes bolted together in a staggered formation, the digitally manufactured floor system not only creates an open, versatile space, but eliminates the bounce and vibration of traditional timber joist floors. Initially beginning with two bedrooms, the design has the capacity to accommodate up to five bedrooms split across three levels. With a bathroom on each floor, the building can be reconfigured into separate living spaces that accommodate a growing family or live-in care.  

Alongside new cassette types and connection methods, Lowfield Green helped refine our low-impact installation methods, with the entire timber structure constructed using only hand-genie lifts, mallets and drill drivers.

Architect: BlokBuild

Main Contractor: BlokBuild

Engineer: Price&Myers

Location: Lowfield Green, Acomb, York

Completion: 2023

Process: Architectural design and planning approval, system implementation, off-site manufacture and on-site assembly. 

Photography: Luke Hallett