Wood has long been revered as a traditional architectural material in numerous regions across the globe. As a result, architects and builders are now crafting remarkable buildings using this versatile material, showcasing its enduring appeal and sustainable qualities.
From soaring skyscrapers to serene cultural centers, these innovative wooden structures are transforming the architectural landscape, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
(Photo : Architectural Digest/Jason Havneraas )
1. Fireplace for Children (Norway)
In the Norwegian city of Trondheim, the firm Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter, based in Oslo, constructed this wooden structure that resembles an igloo using materials left over from a nearby construction site. The inception of this undertaking was prompted by a directive to design enjoyable settings for nearby children and furnish an intimate space for fireside narration.
(Photo : Architectural Digest/Erich Spahn)
2. Timber House, Newmarket (Germany)
Designed by Kuhnlein Architektur, this private residence in Newmarket, located in the Oberpfalz region of Germany, consists of two barn-like constructions connected together in the middle. Throughout the exterior, unprocessed pine strips cover the entire structure. These strips will eventually weather to a silvery gray color, obscuring the house's windows from the outside while allowing daylight to enter the interior.
(Photo : Popular Mechanics/Mark Lyons )
3. Creation Museum Noah's Ark (Kentucky)
Regardless of your feelings toward the Creation Museum in Kentucky, you cannot help but admire the skillful construction that went into Noah's Ark on the premises. It is designed following biblical proportions and over 600 miles of timber planks 510 feet in length and 90 feet (five stories) in height. Supported by concrete on arid land, this museum exhibit, one of the most significant global wood-framed structures, maintains its vertical position.
(Photo : Popular Mechanics/Jimmy Cohrssen )
4. SunnyHills, Japan
An elaborate wooden lattice structure adorns the exterior of this SunnyHills cake store in Japan, which features pineapple cakes on the interior. The structure was designed in the style of a bamboo basket by the renowned woodworker Kengo Kuma, who also incorporated that motif inside. Instead of using glue or nails, the Jiigokugumi technique is used to attach hardwood slats.
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(Photo : Popular Mechanics/Northern Michigan University)
5. Superior Dome (Michigan)
Formerly the largest wooden dome in the world, the Tacoma Dome in Washington State stood for slightly under ten years. In 1991, however, the Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan, triumphed over the Tacoma construction by opening its doors with a diameter of 536 feet, which was only six feet greater than the Tacoma pyramid. There are 781 Douglas Fir beams and 108 miles of fir decking that make up the 14-story dome that covers a sports stadium on the campus of Northern Michigan University. The dome covers a ground area of 5.1 acres.
(Photo : American Pole Timber/nps.gov )
6. Old Faithful Inn (North America)
The Old Faithful Inn is the biggest log hotel worldwide and one of North America's few remaining log hotels. It was constructed as a replacement for the Upper Geyser Basin Hotel, which burned. The hotel is well-known for its excellent view of the Old Faithful Geyser and its multiple-story lobby.
(Photo : American Pole Timber/thinkwood.com )
7. Brock Commons Tallwood House (Canada)
In September 2017, it was determined that the Brock Commons Tallwood House is the tallest modern wood construction. The bulk timber structure was finished in under 70 days of the prefabricated components arriving on-site. Accordingly, the people who live at the Brock Commons Tallwood House are students currently enrolled at their respective universities.
(Photo : Photo.net/DavidTriplett )
8. Hangar B (Oregon)
Hangar B is located in the Tillamook Air Museum, the site of the world's largest clear-span wooden construction. During World War II, the United States Navy constructed the hangar, which, at its peak, housed both warplanes and other types of aircraft.
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