STRUCTURAL HYBRIDITY: GLULAM EXPERIMENTS IN RECLAIMED TIMBER

This project explores the feasibility of transforming reclaimed timber into structural log forms through glulam manufacturing. It investigates a hybrid approach by combining pine and oak to create an expressive and durable material system.

Pine is used in the glulam reclaimed log forms, while oak—known for its strength and durability as a hardwood—is employed in the glulam bending structure that shapes both the exterior and roof. The resulting system demonstrates a distinctive material relationship, where softwood and hardwood complement each other both visually and structurally.

By hybridising different wood species, the project enhances the aesthetic and performance qualities of timber. The oak glulam elements provide structural precision and resilience, supporting the more expressive pine log forms. This interplay illustrates how reclaimed and re-engineered wood can be creatively reimagined through contemporary fabrication techniques.

Scale 1:5

WHEN TIMBER MEETS WATER: A BENDING METAL SOLUTION

The glulam-bending timber structure cannot be submerged in water; therefore, a metal frame is required. To maintain the bending design language, the metal frame has been deliberately bent. The concrete foundation anchors the metal footing, while the metal frame supports the glulam timber structure in the water.

ANCHORED IN STONE: A TIMBER STRUCTURE EMBRACING THE HELSINKI COASTLINE

By embedding concrete footings into the granite, the glulam-bending timber structure can touch the coastline. This idea allows the project to provide a broader view of Helsinki city lines. The thicker glulam-bending timber structure is applied to the museum’s footing because it has to embrace many visitors, museum objects, and natural impact.

INTEGRATING CONCRETE FOOTINGS WITH GLULAM TIMBER STRUCTURES

Thanks to the glulam technique, a sturdy structure can be created. The innovative technology has been applied to both the exterior and roof. Hardwood is used for the high curvature of bending timber structures, and softwood is used for typical straight timber structures. Each footing has a concrete foundation, creating a robust frame.

TIMBER IN TENSION: GLULAM BENDING AS A DESIGN AND STRUCTURAL STRATEGY

All timber bending structures with glulam reclaimed log forms used the glulam technique. Glulam structures provide a significant benefit in terms of their adaptability in shape, enabling the creation of many forms and sizes. Additionally, they possess a visual attractiveness and maintain a sense of gracefulness even while covering significant distances.

Timber performs better when force is applied toward its grain. Therefore, bending wood can be more resource-efficient, durable, and structurally effective than cutting it. By applying the glulam bending structure for both the exterior and roof, it becomes feasible to create a sturdy structure with glulam reclaimed log forms. Furthermore, it can establish a novel connection between the glulam bending structure and the glulam reclaimed log forms.