Unusual Rigging HQ, a leader in rigging solutions for theatre, film, and global sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics, has embarked on an ambitious sustainability journey with its new headquarters in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire.

This 4-acre industrial site not only supports the company’s expansion but also serves as a model for sustainable, circular design. 

The building integrates cutting-edge circular economy principles, with every material and component selected for its low embodied carbon, longevity, and potential for reuse.

The façade, crafted from Accoya wood, exemplifies these values, offering a blend of sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. 

Unusual HQ’s innovative design was honoured with the 2024 Façade Awards UK prize for Best Use of a Timber Clad System, highlighting its exceptional architectural quality and strong commitment to sustainability. 

Accoya was selected by Corstorphine & Wright for its unparalleled combination of attributes that perfectly aligned with the project’s ethos: 

• Low Embodied Carbon: A sustainable timber choice with minimal environmental impact. 

• Durability: Exceptional lifespan with little to no maintenance required. 

• Aesthetic Quality: Its natural beauty complements the rural surroundings of the building. 

• Natural Weathering: The façade was left unfinished to allow it to age gracefully over time, blending seamlessly with the local environment. 

Unusual Rigging used over Northamptonshire 9,000 linear meters of 96mm Accoya, making this Corstorphine & Wright’s first project with this innovative material. 

The project team found Accoya particularly easy to work with. Its exceptional stability enabled precise setting out of the façade, ensuring seamless coordination with other building elements such as the windows and the glulam structural frame.

This accuracy reduced complexity during construction and enhanced the overall efficiency of the build. 

The Managing Director of Unusual Rigging has championed sustainability for over a decade, aligning the business with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

This headquarters embodies that vision, showcasing how design innovation and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. 

Unusual Rigging’s headquarters is a shining example of sustainable innovation in design and construction. The thoughtful use of Accoya wood, with its durability, low carbon footprint, and natural aesthetic, demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials in commercial architecture. 

From the precision and ease of working with Accoya to the building’s energy-positive design and circular economy principles, this project sets a new standard for sustainable workplaces.

Winning the 2024 Façade Awards UK for Best Use of a Timber Clad System further cements Unusual HQ as a landmark achievement in sustainable design, creating not just a functional space but a statement of the company’s values and vision for a greener future. 

Location: Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

Material: 10,500m2 of uncoated Accoya

Architect – Corstorphine & Wright 

Accoya distributor – Vicent Timber

Contractor  –  Foxton Construction 

Façade subcontractor  –  1Eighty Roofing Solutions Limited 

Engineer  – Momentum Structural Engineers, Timber Innovations, Manson Timber Engineering Limited 

Photography  –  Rachel Ferrimen