Brent Cross Plot 1 - Designing Hybrid Construction

Part of the £8bn Brent Cross Town Development, Plot 1 is a 14-story commercial building offering 239,000ft² of office space and ground-level flexible retail space.

PCE will once again work with main contractor BAM for the delivery of Plot 1, on behalf of clients Related Argent. Using a systemised kit of parts approach, 6,000 components will come together to assemble the structure.  

With sustainability in mind, Plot 1 has been innovatively designed as a hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) and concrete structure with exposed timber soffits; the tallest of its kind to blend precast concrete and timber. The building boasts a double-height reception with easy station access and a stunning penthouse with a vaulted roof providing views of North and Central London. PCE, in collaboration with Curtins, will employ its Hybrid Frame DfMA build system for the design, complementing the architectural vision of ShedKM and the structural engineering of Heyne Tillett Steel. 

Kit of Parts Configuration  

Being able to configure our proven build systems and standardised components is key to PCE’s approach. With its ‘smart connectivity’ and common connection principles, PCE has the flexibility to use different materials within its systemised solution. This means it can not only accommodate bespoke architectural visions, but can do so in a way that unlocks improvements to efficiency, aesthetics, and sustainability.  

This structural flexibility ensures the right product is used, sourced from the right places and used in the right way. Value engineering and component optimisation feed into the design strategy, ensuring PCE’s standardised components and systemised kit of parts provide the assurance of high quality, added value, and reduced risk. This is enhanced with early involvement, allowing PCE to fully algin its systemised build approach to the design concept and unlock greater added value across structural delivery.  

For Plot 1, PCE’s 'Kit of Parts' will combine engineered cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors with a precast concrete structural frame and core, showcasing expertise in interchanging materials. PCE will also provide precast concrete beams, columns, solid walls, twinwall, hollowcore, solid slabs, and structural steelwork. This innovative use of materials, driven by sustainability and aesthetics, creates a hybrid structure aligning with Brent Cross Town's net-zero ambitions. Using both precast and CLT achieves approximately 22% less embodied carbon than an insitu solution and meets LETI-aligned 2030 targets. 

• Hybrid precast concrete/timber frame achieves ~22% less embodied carbon 

• Utilises reduced carbon concrete mix 

• Proposed frame has low embodied energy 

• Exposed timber and precast concrete elements 

• Low building weight reduces substructure costs 

• Flexible, long-lasting design life with adaptability for various uses and connections 

Digital Twin Technology  

Advanced digital tools are central to our approach, minimising ambiguity and maximising control for transparency and precision throughout structural delivery. The integration of Ynomia’s 3D digital twin technology with PCE’s Common Data Environment and digital field data capture tools offers automated real-time project visualisation, status tracking, and comprehensive data insights from the design phase onward. This facilitates efficient project coordination and supports adherence to The Golden Thread, aiding compliance and enhancing the structure’s lifecycle management.