Wooden use in Facade, Iconic worldwide project examples

The ecological call for the update climate change situation challenging each field to do their duty of the responsibility, likewise the architectural and engineering sphere took this matter to the table by sustainable applications, the indispensable corporeal wood one of the classical material used throughout history in our building industry, objecting the ignorance faced during the 19th century coming back strong as a costume and environment friendly apparatus to be a part of the solutions of a lot of architecture offices around the world as some of the iconic façade construction in 2021.

Wood is not just as a structure made to help people having a roof above them but also a tool that has been used almost in each corner in our houses, since it can be shaped in many forms and it is also fulfilling many of the requirements in our lives. As other materials were taking the place of wood in the construction industry walking through the centuries, some of the iconic projects during the past years denied but to keep this sustainable apparatus be the developed costume of their façades and have a remain essential part of them. The following three projects designed by some of the leading architecture, engineering and consulting offices around the world representing one of the best modern use of wood in the construction industry.

1. Billie Jean King Main Library by SOM

More than a traditional library, this facility provides a welcoming and flexible environment for the diverse community of Long Beach, California. A heavy timber structural system significantly reduced the carbon impact of construction.

Timber construction is a key component of a holistic approach to sustainable design. The building is one of the few in Southern California that utilizes a heavy timber structural system, composed of renewable timber reinforced with steel and concrete where needed. Each material is employed in a hybrid system to optimize its respective structural properties.

By using timber, a lightweight material, the library could be built atop the existing structure of an underground concrete parking garage. Saving most of the concrete structure allowed the design team to significantly cut down on material waste. The design reduces embodied carbon by 61 percent, compared with erecting a new parking garage and a conventional concrete building. A range of sustainable design strategies have contributed to the library’s LEED Platinum certification. The building features rooftop photovoltaic cells, controlled air ventilation systems, and extensive glazing to maximize daylight, with architectural overhangs for solar protection. MEP and fire safety systems were left uncovered to feature the timber structure.

2. Atlassian Central by ECKERSLEY O’CALLAGHAN

Design of the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower with a reduction in embodied carbon of up to 50%

The new approximately 40-storey high building is being designed in conjunction with New York-based architect SHoP, who will work in partnership with Australian firm BVN and will provide a new headquarters for technology giant Atlassian.

The groundbreaking design of timber, with a glass and steel facade will include a mix of outdoor and indoor spaces and will use an energy-efficient approach that features natural ventilation and large planted terraces giving access to nature. The building is leading edge in its application of Mass Timber Construction (MTC).

In line with Atlassian’s commitment to operate on 100% renewable energy and reach net zero emissions by 2050, the project will target:

· 50% less embodied carbon in construction compared to a conventional building

· 50% less energy consumption compared with a new conventionally operated building and solar panels in the vertical facades, to generate green power on-site

· The building will operate on 100% renewable energy from day one and include solar panels built into the facade.

Measuring at approximately 180m this will be the tallest commercial hybrid timber building in the world. The tower includes a steel exoskeleton that supports the mega floors between neighbourhoods.

The current design also incorporates an electricity-generating facade system with self-shade capabilities to reduce direct heat gain internally. Combined with the use of mass timber, the innovative facade enables the project to leverage Sydney's temperate climate to help reduce carbon emissions and generate on site energy.

3. Marmormolen by HENNING LARSEN

Danish architecture practice Henning Larsen and engineering company Ramboll have designed an eight-storey stepped wooden building for the Nordhavn waterfront on the eastern edge of Copenhagen.

The proposed mixed-use commercial building, called Marmormolen, would measure 28,000-square metres and be constructed entirely using solid timber.

Marmormolen was designed for Danish pension fund AP Pension and will be built in Copenhagen's Nordhavn district. According to Henning Larsen, which designed it together with Ramboll, it will be one of the largest contemporary wood structures in the country.

"The building, which will be one of the largest contemporary wood structures in Denmark, combines office, retail, and public program on the popular Nordhavn waterfront," said the studio.

By using timber as opposed to concrete, the building will "embed tons of carbon instead of emitting tons," the studio added.

"Today, it is imperative that architecture challenges our usual notion of structures and materials," said Henning Larsen partner and design director Søren Øllgaard.

"The construction industry is a major emitter of CO2, and we therefore also have great opportunities to make things better. We're excited to be working with AP Pension on a project that puts sustainability and sustainable strategies such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals first."

Construction for Marmormolen will begin in early 2022 and is expected to open in 2024.

Elsewhere, Henning Larsen is developing Copenhagen's "first all-timber neighbourhood" located on the outskirts of the city and a sustainable primary school in Sundby that broke ground earlier this year.