Architects invited to propose how timber buildings can save our cities for international competition
– Metsa Wood
Architects around the world have been challenged to push the boundaries of modern wood building design in cities.
Wood manufactured Metsä Wood has launched a competition seeking suggestions as to how wooden extensions could add density to existing city buildings.
The company said that the world’s growing urban population and the rising demand of housing and interior spaces mean cities must start developing strategically and environmentally.
In a statement, it said: “Too often the proposed solutions show little regard for the existing framework of our cities, choosing instead to replace the old with new, at great environmental, social, and cultural cost. The greatest design challenge then, is not only to build new structures, but to build upon the existing fabric of our cities, knitting together old and new.”
Wood, the company argued, can provide the answer, as it is lighter, can be stacked taller and is better for the planet.
Architects entering the competition – which is called City above the City – must choose an existing and well-known city building, possible under threat of demolition, and show how the creation of additional wooden floor area upwards, and outwards if required, could produce a design solution.
Entrants have until 30 September 2016 to submit their designs, and the winners will be announced in October. The first place prize is €10,000, while the second and third prizes are worth €5,000 and €2,000 respectively.
Timber has many advocates as a design material, especially now that strong, fire-resistant wooden building materials are widely available.
PLP Architecture, engineers Smith and Wallwork and researchers from Cambridge University recently presented conceptual plans for an 80-storey, 300m high wooden mixed use tower integrated within the Barbican arts centre in London, arguing that “people have a greater affinity for taller buildings in natural materials rather than steel and concrete towers.”
Timber architecture design wood City above the City Metsä WoodWill our skyscrapers soon be built from timber?
J. Mayer H. creates striking cultural timber pavilion for German city’s tricentennial celebrations
Drom sauna uses 500-year-old timbers to create the 'wow' effect
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy
The Peninsula London unveils Peter Marino-designed spa inspired by London’s famous parks
First glimpses revealed of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair's subterranean spa retreat
"Architecture is alive" says Ma Yansong, as Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
Bionic leaves, breathable metals and selfgrowing bricks... Biomimicry in architecture has come a long way. Christopher DeWolf takes a look at the latest advances
From climate change to resource scarcity, Exploration Architecture uses biomimicry to address some of the world’s major challenges. Its founder tells us how
Three years after Pegasus Capital bought Six Senses, how close is the private equity firm to realising its goals for its first spa and hospitality investment? Pegasus’ founder Craig Cogut tells us what’s been achieved and what comes next