The Zero-Waste Adaptable Workspace: U-Build’s Modular Timber Fit-outs
About U-Build Modular Partition Systems
Designed by Studio Bark, U-Build is a high-performance modular system that delivers a full Cat B office fit-out with the flexibility of furniture.
Whether you’re looking to fit-out a brand new office or simply add a private pod to an existing space, our adaptable systems help you save both costs and carbon - buy once and use time and again.
Studio Bark developed the system in 2016 with structural engineering with Structure Workshop and testing from Cut and Construct. Originally designed for a Grand Designs ‘self-build’ project, the system has since evolved into a robust, specification-ready solution for the modern commercial sector.
The System
The U-Build modular system is designed for total flexibility. The kit-of-parts plywood boxes can be assembled with simple hand tools, creating a wide range of standardised and custom elements:
- Standard Partitions: A circular economy building system for adaptable internal walls and partitions.
- Acoustic Panels: An enhanced acoustic-absorption version of our standard partitions, featuring Hemspan® face panels and acoustic separation detailing. Ideal for private offices and phone booths.
- Meeting Pods: Standard and acoustic systems can be combined to create standalone or custom pods that fit any floor plan.
- Furniture & Joinery: Beyond walls, the system creates integrated furniture including benches, lockers, shelving, and tiered seating.
Benefits
U-Build allows you to create healthy working environments that can be entirely reconfigured to meet changing tenant needs:
- Carbon Saving & Fully Circular: Our system uses natural, FSC-certified WISA plywood and sheep’s wool or hemp fibre insulation - designed for deconstruction, not demolition.
- Demountable & Non-Invasive: Using a unique compression-fit system, U-Build can be installed without permanent fixings. This makes it ideal for Grade I and II listed buildings where the original fabric must remain untouched.
- Compliant & Precision Engineered: Precision-cut in the UK with a 0.1mm tolerance. Ready to specify with UK Building and Fire Regulation compliance.
- Healthy Workplaces: Crafted from non-toxic, low-VOC materials, U-Build panels improve indoor air quality and biophilic connection.
- Asset Retention: While drywall is a sunk cost that ends up in a skip, U-Build remains a permanent asset on your balance sheet. By eliminating the “demolish and replace” cycle, reassembly costs are reduced to just one third of a traditional rebuild.
For Developers: Future-Proofing Your Assets
Attract high-value, forward-thinking tenants while eliminating the high cost and waste of strip-outs:
How:
Studio Bark can work with you from the feasibility stage to design plug-and-play workspaces.
What:
We provide a modular kit that stay with the building (or tenant), reducing the waste of traditional strip-outs.
The Result:
Faster tenant turnaround, lower lifecycle costs, and significant, measurable contribution to your ESG and Net Zero targets.
Next Steps:
For Architects: Ready-Made Circular Specification
Deliver a high-spec, low-carbon Cat B fit-out without the technical headache of bespoke joinery.
How:
Work directly with the U-Build team to integrate the system into your design.
What:
We provide the data needed for a seamless specification - including EPDs, fire testing, and acoustic ratings.
The Result:
A precision-engineered timber interior that meets building regs and persuades clients who value sustainability and adaptability.
Next Steps:
Sustainability & Technical
Tried and tested, U-Build meets the criteria required of high performance workspaces:
- EPD: Full Environmental Product Declarations available for carbon modelling. Download U-Build Partition Systems EPD.
- Fire Safety: Fully tested systems with fire-retardant treatment options to meet UK requirements.
- Building Regs: Proven performance in structural stability up to three storeys, acoustics, and ventilation.
Case Studies
Sustainable workspaces, London & Manchester (pictured):
A landmark project at the Grade II* listed County Hall, Southbank, where 95% of the 3rd floor fit-out was successfully demounted and moved to the 5th floor, utilising a new compression box system to leave the building fabric untouched.
London Centre for Book Arts, Bow:
U-Build designed an internal fit-out for an open-access studio and shop in Fish Island. The polycarbonate box system allowed light to pass through the warehouse while creating a natural sense of flow and display units for the shop. “The studio has an unusual layout, U-Build helped us to divide the space to encourage a natural flow for visitors to explore and engage” - client.
Vyner Works, Bethnal Green:
A 314m2 warehouse transformation into two floors of airy, adaptable studio space. The fit-out uses U-Build partition walls to create an adaptable interior that evolves with changing tenant needs.
Youth Employment Hub, Islington (pictured):
Working with designer Tom Dobson and Public Works, U-Build developed two internal modular pods using spruce plywood and 100% cork cladding for a soft finish with natural acoustic qualities.
Contact Us To Get Started
Are you planning a fit-out? Get in touch to find out how to get started:
- Need Design and Strategy? If you require architectural support to design and specify a circular workspace, contact Studio Bark at info@studiobark.co.uk.
- Ready to Specify? If you are an architect or contractor looking to buy or specify the system, contact U-Build at info@u-build.org.
U-Build Projects
Sustainable Workspaces
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Boar Lane
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