When it comes to construction processes, the development of a new build often follows the same pattern. Architectural drawings are made up and materials are sourced, the foundations are laid, the building is erected, the interior is fitted and furnished and tenants are moved in. Seldom is a new building modelled over and around its existing occupant.

However, this was the case for the new Mary Rose Museum. Set in the heart of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the striking new centrepiece encases the ship’s hull, which was raised from the Solent in 1982. Due to the delicate nature of the exhibit, the design team skillfully crafted an aesthetically striking, but sympathetic, structure to house the ship. As part of the on-going conservation, the hull had to remain in a carefully-controlled environment whilst all building works were carried out. To read more about this impressive landmark building and the challenges overcome by the project team, turn to page 28.

Pushing the boundaries of design is continued in this month’s Sustainability in Development focus. LCT ONE, the recently-opened CREE GmbH headquarters, is the world’s first eight-story timber hybrid building. It showcases an innovative prefabricated and modular construction system centred on the concept that the future of tall buildings is in engineered wood. CREE gives FC&A an insight into the benefits of this innovative building method and ultimate energy efficiencies.

Elsewhere in this issue, we round-up the highlights of London’s newest design exhibition, the May Design Series, plus Maxwood Washrooms considers the key regulatory issues associated with designing communal washroom facilities.

I hope you enjoy this issue. If you wish to comment on any of the articles featured in this month’s edition, please do not hesitate to get in touch at the usual address. Don’t forget you can also interact with FC&A via its social media networks, Twitter (@FCAMagazine) and Facebook (facebook.com/fcamagazine).