The first project in the UK for Shigeru Ban

In 2014 Japanese architect Shigeru Ban was awarded the Pritzker Prize for architecture. The prominent award was presented to him in recognition of his innovative and inspirational use of materials. The work he did in exploring basic building materials led to the creation of some very unique solutions to architectural problems. One area where Ban is renowned in particular is creating temporary accommodation for people made homeless by earthquakes and other natural disasters. His exploration of different materials meant he could create designs that were cost effective and shelters that could be erected very quickly.Shigeru Ban has been responsible for a number of high profile projects all around the world. His most popular works include the Centre Pompidou-Metz museum with its iconic roof, the Cardboard Cathedral in New Zealand, and Aspen Art Museum in the US. In addition many of his works can be found in Japan and China.Surprisingly Shigeru Ban has never completed a project in the UK. This could be about to end though with planning approval granted for a five storey home he helped design. Southwark House will be a family home with a frame of cross laminated timber (CLT), large glass windows, and an eye-catching roof canopy made of steel and timber.A site at the edge of Potters Fields Park to the south-west of Tower Bridge in London has been selected. The design is heavily influenced by the location. For starters, the timber frame was selected to give the home a better connection to nature. It also takes inspiration from small and medium sized Tudor architecture with its visible timbers.The project is further evidence that CLT is becoming a very popular building material. Shigeru Ban has a lot of experience with it, using it on the Aspen Art Museum to create ceilings and an iconic facade. The sustainability of cross laminated timber is fantastic and it provides the ability to create more eco-friendly properties.When it comes to residential architecture London has no shortage of interesting and innovative buildings. The home by Shigeru Ban could very well join those when it is finished. The contemporary design and use of CLT could inspire more people to make the same choices. This would be beneficial in terms of sustainability and the impact on the environment.