Stihl UK Headquarters: Engineering Excellence Delivered by Alan Wood & Partners

24 October 2025

Alan Wood & Partners (AWP) played a pivotal role in delivering the new UK headquarters for Andreas Stihl Ltd, a pioneer in power and garden tools. Located in London, this state-of-the-art facility includes modern office space, testing and repair facilities and a fully automated robotic warehouse. The project showcases AWP’s ability to manage complex engineering challenges while delivering high-value outcomes for clients.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic flood risk mitigation enabled development on a constrained urban site, designated as flood plain, near Thames Water assets.
  • Chemically post-tensioned, steel fibre reinforced concrete floor slab provided a high-performance and environmentally friendly solution for the automated warehouse.
  • BIM Level 2 accreditation (BS 19650) ensured seamless collaboration and digital design integration.
  • AWP’s multidisciplinary and collaborative approach delivered the project on time and on budget, transforming a previously undevelopable site.

Project Overview

  • ClientAndreas Stihl Ltd
  • LocationCamberley, UK
  • Type of WorksNew Build Development
  • ScopeOffices, warehouse, road access, external yards, parking
  • ObjectiveCreate a modern HQ and automated warehouse
  • Delivery PartnerAlan Wood & Partners

Engineering & Design Challenges

  • 1. Constrained Urban Site

    The site’s proximity to Thames Water assets and its location within a flood plain required strategic planning. AWP implemented flood risk mitigation strategies, enabling safe and compliant development.

  • 2. Chemically Post-Tensioned Floor Slabs

    To support the automated warehouse, AWP designed and implemented chemically post-tensioned steel fibre reinforced concrete floor slabs. This advanced solution provided the necessary load-bearing capacity and durability for robotic operations.

  • 3. Sustainability and Compliance

    The project achieved a BREEAM “Very Good” rating, reflecting its commitment to environmental performance. AWP’s design incorporated sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.

  • 4. BIM Integration

    AWP worked within a BIM Level 2 framework (BS 19650), ensuring full digital collaboration across disciplines. This approach reduced errors, improved coordination, and streamlined delivery.

AWP’s Role: End-to-End Engineering Delivery

Alan Wood & Partners provided a complete engineering solution, from initial site assessment to final construction support. The in-house geotechnical and geo-environmental team played a crucial role in evaluating difficult ground conditions and designing foundations.

Services Delivered

  • Civil Engineering: Road access, drainage, and external works.
  • Structural Engineering: Office and warehouse structural design.
  • Geotechnical Engineering: Ground investigation and foundation design.
  • Geo-Environmental Engineering: Contamination assessment and remediation planning.

Results Delivered

AWP’s expertise enabled the successful transformation of a site previously considered too complex and costly to develop. The project was delivered:

  • On time and on budget
  • With a highly technical design solution
  • Resulting in a state-of-the-art headquarters
  • With full integration of automated warehouse systems

Why Choose Alan Wood & Partners?

  • Proven Expertise in Complex Sites: AWP excels in developing constrained urban sites, especially those involving flood risk mitigation and utility coordination.
  • Technical Innovation: From chemically post-tensioned floor slabs to BIM-enabled workflows, AWP brings cutting-edge engineering solutions tailored to client needs.
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Clients benefit from AWP’s integrated teams across civil, structural, and geotechnical disciplines.
  • Commitment to Sustainability: AWP designs with long-term performance and environmental impact in mind.

Definitions of Key Terms

  • Chemically Post-Tensioned Floor Slabs: Concrete slabs reinforced using steel fibres and chemical shrinkage agents to restrict cracking and enhance strength and durability.
  • BIM Level 2 (BS 19650): A UK standard for collaborative digital design and construction, ensuring consistent data exchange and project coordination.
  • Flood Risk Mitigation: Engineering strategies to reduce the impact of flooding on infrastructure, especially in flood-prone urban areas.

Client Payoff

By partnering with Alan Wood & Partners, clients gain:

  • Reduced development risk through expert site analysis and mitigation strategies.
  • Optimised project delivery using BIM and integrated engineering services.
  • Long-term asset value through sustainable and technically sound design.

Conclusion

The new UK headquarters for Stihl Ltd stands as a testament to Alan Wood & Partners’ engineering excellence. Through strategic planning, technical innovation, and collaborative delivery, AWP transformed a challenging site into a high-performance corporate facility. Their work not only met the client’s objectives but also set a benchmark for future developments in urban engineering.