The two most recent additions to the British political landscape – the National Assembly Building for Wales, in Cardiff, and the Scottish Parliament, in Edinburgh, both feature wood at its best. They meet the sustainability challenge that the modern political environment demands and they also include some of the most exciting designs seen in recent years.

The National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff

The design approach was aimed at meeting the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ target, and sustainability targets that included a 100-year design life. Wood formed the basis for both the structure and the ongoing heating, with a wood-fired carbon-neutral heating system.

The complex roof geometry incorporates six elliptical domes, whose undulating contours are covered internally by a western red cedar panel lining. Constructed directly over the chamber and continuing up to the roof level, is a stunning 12 metre high ‘funnel’ structure, also clad in pre-formed cedar panels. Combined, a total of 60,000 linear metres of cedar was used on this project.