Architectural Cases

In the heart of Argentina's Punilla Valley, a distinctive architectural creation, Atelier Cambre, stands as a testament to thoughtful design. Crafted by local firm Esteras Perrote for artist Juan José Cambre, this studio masterfully integrates into its mountainous, forested environment, presenting an exterior of stark brickwork that belies the luminous, sky-infused creative space within.

In a bold stride towards sustainable construction, the architecture studio Lake Flato, in collaboration with engineering experts Structurecraft, recently unveiled an innovative pavilion at the prestigious Mass Timber Conference in Oregon. This collaborative effort showcases a pioneering application of dowel-laminated timber (DLT), a building material with roots in 1970s and 1980s Germany, which is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the United States. The structure represents a significant departure from conventional mass timber construction, demonstrating a bending-active shell system that defies the long-held rectilinear design principles of the industry.

Pioneering the Future of Timber Construction: Lake Flato and Structurecraft's DLT Pavilion in Oregon

In a notable event at the Mass Timber Conference in Portland, Oregon, held from March 31st to April 1st, architectural firm Lake Flato and engineering company Structurecraft introduced a revolutionary pavilion. This cutting-edge structure, measuring approximately 20 by 30 feet (six by nine meters), is a testament to the versatility and environmental advantages of dowel-laminated timber (DLT). Unlike traditional mass timber products that rely on nails or glue, DLT panels are formed by frictionally joining softwood with hardwood dowels. This method not only offers exceptional flexibility in its initial state, allowing for fabrication into wavy, organic forms, but also becomes incredibly rigid once assembled, making it suitable for diverse applications from flooring to ceilings, and potentially even more complex structural elements. Ryan Yaden, an associate partner at Lake Flato, emphasized the material's appeal, noting its ability to significantly reduce environmental impact. Lucas Epp, Vice President and Head of Engineering at Structurecraft, highlighted that this project marks the first instance of a bending-active system being achieved with timber, enabling the creation of shell structures from flat-packed panels. The pavilion’s design even features a flexible, swing-out door, showcasing the material's inherent pliability. Distinguished architect Kengo Kuma was observed engaging with the pavilion at the conference, signifying the industry's keen interest in this innovative approach.

This innovative use of DLT signifies a pivotal moment in construction, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with timber and promoting more environmentally conscious building methods. The ability to create dynamic, curved structures from what traditionally have been flat, rigid materials opens up exciting new aesthetic and functional possibilities for architects and builders alike. This development underscores the growing global emphasis on sustainable design and the continuous search for materials and techniques that minimize ecological footprints while delivering high performance and architectural beauty. As building codes adapt to embrace mass timber, we can anticipate a future where such resourceful and eco-friendly constructions become increasingly prevalent.