The Edrich and Compton Stands at Lord’s Cricket Ground showcase how engineered timber can add warmth, character, and craftsmanship to one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues. Set within a primary steel frame, the European larch timber elements bring a natural contrast to the structure, softening the architectural language while enhancing the spectator experience. The exposed timber plays a key visual role within the stands, reinforcing Lord’s reputation for combining tradition with contemporary design.

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The project features freeform, curved European larch beams, each precision-engineered to meet complex geometric and structural requirements. Manufactured offsite in a controlled factory environment, the beams were produced to exact tolerances, allowing the intricate curves and interfaces with the steel frame to be resolved in advance. Offsite fabrication ensured consistency, quality, and accuracy across a highly bespoke set of components.

Careful coordination between the timber and steel structures allowed for efficient installation on site, despite the technical challenges of working within a live and internationally significant venue. The resulting timber elements deliver both structural performance and architectural expression, demonstrating how offsite-manufactured European larch can be used to realise complex, freeform designs at scale while meeting the demands of high-profile sports architecture.