Event information

This project is the reinvention of two historic Victorian industrial buildings, Retort House and the Coal Shed, that were once part of the Bristol Gas Light Company, as a new research facility. The extensive use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam showcases how these versatile materials can deliver robust and beautiful new structures in conjunction with other materials.  

The tour will be led by key members of the project team – the Client, University of Bristol; Architect, AHMM; and Structural Timber Engineer and Contractor, Xylotek.  

They will describe how the project came about, the challenges and opportunities of using the existing stone walls and metal roof trusses, and the possibilities unlocked by using a mass timber structure of CLT and Glulam, through their multi-functional properties, accuracy, and prefabrication.  

Light refreshments will be provided. 

ARB and RIBA Mandatory CPD Requirements

As of January 2024, all architects on the UK Register are required by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to record and confirm participation in CPD to maintain registration. ARB’s CPD scheme is activity-based and is focused on learning outcomes. You can find out more about ARB’s CPD requirements here.

This course relates to environmental sustainability, which is one of the mandatory topics for the 2025 ARB scheme.

View or download this checklist which shows in more detail how attendance on this course can help you meet these requirements. 

About the speakers

Kirsten Whiteley, Senior Architect, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) 

Kirsten Whiteley hails from New Zealand, where she studied architecture at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. After working in New Zealand and Australia, she landed in London, where she joined AHMM and went on to design and deliver many buildings, most notably the New Scotland Yard Headquarters on Embankment.  

Martin Self, Design Director, Xylotek

Martin Self is an engineer, geometer and educator who has specialised in innovative timber structures since 2005. Following a background in aerospace engineering, he was a founder member of ARUP’s Advanced Geometry Unit (2000-2006) and Director of Hooke Park (2010-2018), the Architectural Association’s woodland campus for experimental timber architecture, where he continues to teach. Martin is a founding director of Xylotek and leads their design activities. 

Nick Hall, Head of Operations, University of Bristol

Nick manages the facilities' engineering and technical teams to deliver inclusive facilities and services to a wide range of interdisciplinary research, innovation and commercial projects. He has extensive IT delivery experience across multiple industries.