Cambridge South Station represents a groundbreaking development in contemporary railway station architecture, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and user accessibility from the outset. A defining characteristic of the project is the extensive incorporation of solid timber throughout the station building and platform canopies. To ensure long-term performance in an exposed environment, glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements made of larch were manufactured at HASSLACHER Group’s production sites in Kleinheubach (HASSLACHER Holzbauteile GmbH) and Stall (NORITEC). Larch was selected specifically for its weather resistance and compliance with strict durability standards.

The station will play a pivotal role in connecting the growing Cambridge Biomedical Campus and supporting the anticipated expansion of the University of Cambridge. With its large capacity and advanced infrastructure, the station is designed to handle high volumes of passengers. As part of a forward-thinking, eco-friendly transport strategy, the station was intentionally planned as a car-free zone, encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transportation across the region.

A particularly impressive feature is the planned station roof, expected to be the largest and most ecologically sustainable biodiverse station roof in the UK—a bold symbol of the project's unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility in public infrastructure.

Installation posed considerable challenges. Due to the station’s proximity to live electrified railway lines, several possession weekends—periods during which tracks were closed and power was shut off—were necessary under strict safety regulations. During these intervals, assembly teams worked in rotating shifts around the clock to complete the construction efficiently.

Location: Cambridge, Großbritannien
Customer: Network Rail
General Contractor: J. Murphy & Sons Ltd
Architects: Arcadis / Fereday Pollard
Project Execution: HESS TIMBER
Construction Period: 2023 - 2024
Status: Completed
Project Type: Glulam, CLT, Infrastructure, Canopy

Details

Wood Species: Larch
Component Supplier: HASSLACHER Group
Production Sites: HASSLACHER Holzbauteile GmbH and NORITEC Stall
Volume: 420 m³ glulam + 3,700 m² CLT

Scope of Services

Concept & Consulting, Planning, Production, Component Supply, Assembly, Project Management

Product/Solution

Glulam, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)