A six-storey office block made from timber could soon be coming to Maidenhead.

Plans submitted by developer HUB and Norwegian investor Smedvig would see the unique new building constructed in the town centre.

Designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects and part of the One Maidenhead scheme, the building would be known as Trehus – Norwegian for ‘house of wood’.

Development director at HUB Victoria Manston said: “Trehus will be the first building of its kind in this area, and an exciting addition to the work already underway at One Maidenhead to deliver a new world-class development in Maidenhead town centre.

“The use of timber here will result in a building that is both elegant and highly sustainable, in line with HUB’s strategy of reducing embodied carbon across our portfolio.”

The project is expected to use a timber superstructure – which the developer claims reduces embodied carbon by 40 per cent compared to a concrete frame.

Its façade is designed to maximise natural light and lower dependence on artificial lighting, heating and cooling.

The design also includes a roof terrace, rain gardens, biodiverse planning and outdoor seating.

CEO of Smedvig Eiendom AS Cecilie W. Melbye said: “Smedvig is committed to build for the future.

“For our real estate business that means designing sustainable quality buildings with a low carbon footprint and which are flexible and will stand the test of time.

“We have used timber structures with success in Norway and are excited to be bringing forward our first timber structure in the UK.”

The development is planned for central Maidenhead with frontages along King and Queen Streets and would be situated close to public transport links to London.

Kirsten Haggart, Associate Director, Waugh Thistleton Architects said: “It has been a joy to work on this project, a landmark building both in terms of the location within Maidenhead town centre and its ambitious low carbon credentials.

“Close collaboration with local stakeholders, our consultant partners and HUB has resulted in a building that will enhance its local context and have minimal impact on the environment.

“It sets a high standard in the area for high quality sustainable office design.”