Biophilic and inclusive design with structural curved glass and timber wins the hearts of the judges

Lea Bridge Library commended for the MacEwen Award 2025

Lea Bridge Library by Studio Weave has been commended for AJ’s MacEwen Award 2025 for its inclusive and biophilic design with curved glazing and timber to the extended civic project. 

The design of the timber frame glass wall in this Grade II listed library extension sits harmoniously amongst existing mature trees within the courtyard beyond. The rectangular footprint of the library extension space is punctuated by cut outs within the timber structure filled with frameless glass. These frameless structural glass openings were coordinated with canopies and trunks to provide a sense of connectivity between the interior and exterior spaces. 

Alpa Depani, head of strategic planning and design at the London Borough of Waltham Forest, which commissioned the project, is clear about its achievements and benefits. ‘The Lea Bridge Library extension is a warm and generous addition that responds with care to both the existing historic building and the garden with its mature trees,’ she says. ‘It embeds sustainable principles and has been transformative in terms of opening up the possibilities for community life and activity, as proved by its popularity with a range of our residents.' 

Thanks to this thoughtful design with floor to ceiling glazing and timber, this characterful and light-filled community space now sees more than a staggering 12000 visitors each month.  

Read this award-winning Lea Bridge Library case study!