Construction

The chalk earth into which Ashraya sits provides a good foundations for the new building and indeed some of the material excavated is used for internal walls.

A precast concrete structure is used to form the basement and first floor level. The structure above this is of CLT timber and gluelam arches. Timber joists span between these arches and a cross-laminated timber roof deck sits over to support the green roof above.

Much of the primary structure is left exposed and legible as well as bringing other benefits such as thermal mass from the concrete and visual warmth from the timber roof.

The glazed façades span from top to bottom and are self-supporting. The reconstituted stone is hung off the primary structure and caps the courtyard retaining walls.