An Old Resource May Unlock the Future of Architecture

Timber has always been a reliable material for builders. Its pliability, buoyancy and strength gives wood a diverse set of uses from home building to travel. For hundreds of years it was the substance of choice among architects and builders alike. As society modernized and stronger yet more flexible materials were more easily accessible, wood infrastructure dwindled, especially in public and commercial buildings.

However, as a design element, wood has remained popular and thanks to sustainable foresting practices, has risen to the forefront of many architects’ palettes once again.

Today we take a look at some of the ways architects are implementing timber into their designs in a responsible manner, but also in a way that creates a stunning presentation.

Check out @ZooLaGarenne. #timber was selected as the main building material & 97% of the materials were sourced locally. The #wood elements blend with wildflower growth on the roof while angled wooden verticals complete the aesthetic. #design #architecture Matthieu Gafsou pic.twitter.com/BKbd3vBKzt
— Wood Design & Building (@WoodDesignMag) August 14, 2018

Sustainable wood is timber that comes from a sustainably managed forest. This means that the forest is replenished and refilled with new trees when lumber is removed. This maintains the ecosystem of the area and ensures that lumber is managed responsibly.

Impressive #Berkshire build that requires virtually no cost to run 👍#housebuilding @granddesignsmag: #SaturdayMotivation Architect Tom Gresford’s impressive timber barn in Berkshire is #Passivhaus certified – and a masterclass in ultra low-energy building https://t.co/boZlayAdlW pic.twitter.com/20XA9iztqr
— Design Collective Berkshire (@DesignCollectBK) August 18, 2018

Popular types of sustainable wood include bamboo, oak, teak, mahogany, and the Douglass fir.

Take a look at these studio builds made with timber and discarded materials via | https://t.co/pg1QWiB9hV | #UKBizLunch #1pmlunch pic.twitter.com/8XJnCqaSjX
— Relocatable Building Systems | RBS (@rbsonthemove) August 20, 2018

It was announced on Aug. 21 that the state of Oregon has legalized mass timber high-rises. In doing so, it became the first in the United States to approve such a measure.

Oregon just became the first U.S. state to legalize mass timber high rises. https://t.co/pnZxTA23Sw pic.twitter.com/jWKcRoBg7F
— Curbed (@Curbed) August 21, 2018

Timber is an energy efficient material, making it a popular choice among architects who are designing structures seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and perhaps earn LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council.

Green-roofed Mexican home constructed from concrete and fallen timber – https://t.co/DFI52P8LeD pic.twitter.com/hecKPEdLHi
— New Atlas (@nwtls) August 22, 2018

Just because wood is among mankind’s first building materials, that does not mean it can not represent some of the most modern designs in all of architecture. This hotel is proof of that.

Diamond-shaped timber pod hotel lets you vacation outside of the box https://t.co/s9FIlVbGgS
| #HomeDecor #MODERNHOME #DesignThinking #design #interiordesign #crafts #architecture #HoreCa #deco #diy #home #homedesign #homedecor #FindItStyleIt #retaildesign | pic.twitter.com/fXP7y38SEt
— Mirror Mania (@MirrorManiaCoUk) August 16, 2018

Office buildings are among the most forward thinking entities when it comes to energy efficiency and design. Timber is expected to continue to play a significant role in reducing carbon footprints, while increasing curb appeal.

BNC Is currently working on the tallest, modern mass timber office / commercial building in Canada, targeting LEED Gold! Learn more on our website! pic.twitter.com/EgRbrwjYWu
— BNKC Architects (@bnkcarchitects) July 4, 2018

Timber will never be as strong as steel and metal. This poses some logistical problems surrounding building safety codes. It remains to be seen to what extent buildings can implement wood without adding risk.

#MIT students design #masstimber structure. #RKSteel wants your opinions: Is timber structurally feasible, or practical since most building codes limit structural wood to six stories in commercial #construction? https://t.co/hHl0FJFj9R #constructionnews #sustainability #rktoday pic.twitter.com/DZv8bus1fD
— RK (@WeAreRK) August 17, 2018

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