Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Location
Stratford, London, E20

Architects
BBLUR Architecture
Make Architects

Client
ISG

Sector
Leisure

A landmark in sustainable design, welcoming visitors to the heart of the Olympic Park.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Visitor Centre, completed in 2013 serves as a gateway to one of London’s most iconic urban spaces. The project showcased the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary structural material, marking a milestone in sustainable design and construction. The visitor centre houses exhibition spaces, a café, and visitor information facilities, with minimalist design and extensive glazing that invite natural light and frame views of the parklands.

Built on a heavily contaminated former industrial site, the project overcame significant environmental and structural challenges. A piled raft foundation was designed to minimise ground disturbance, isolating the structure from pollutants while supporting the lightweight CLT and glulam frame. These sustainable materials reduced the carbon footprint, offered excellent thermal performance, and allowed off-site prefabrication for precise manufacturing, rapid assembly, and minimal waste.

As one of the first BIM Level 2-designed buildings in the UK, the project set a benchmark for collaborative design. Advanced BIM coordination enabled seamless integration between engineers, architects, and contractors, streamlining problem-solving, clash detection, and service installation. Temporary weatherproofing ensured the integrity of timber components, while careful detailing addressed fire resistance, vibration control, and durability.

The centre stands as a testament to modern engineering, combining sustainable methods with cutting-edge construction techniques to deliver a functional and visually striking legacy of the 2012 London Olympics.

Photography
Matt Wreford