Timber Towers
Timber Towers offers a blueprint for high-rise construction using engineered timber. We prove building a 300-meter timber structure is possible from an engineering and architectural perspective. Developed by PLP Labs with the University of Cambridge and Smith and Wallwork Engineers, three Timber Tower designs explore the structural possibilities and strategies of using engineered timber in high rise construction, as well as the health and wellbeing benefits of natural materials.
1. Introduction
Can skyscrapers be built out of timber?
Building with timber is nothing new; wood has been used in construction for centuries due to its versatility and durability.
Timber Tower I demonstrates building a 300-meter timber high-rise is structurally possible. This work led to the envisioning of a 130-meter timber tower known as The Lodge with a client in The Netherlands. As part of this process, we investigated the structural possibilities, health and wellbeing benefits of natural materials, as well as strategies for the use of timber in high-rise construction.
From small acorns grow big ideas.
2. Timber Tower I (London)
Axial force and deflection studies of the high-rise timber
Proposed timber fabrication system
Timber Cities ‘Could Cut 100bn Tons of CO2 Emissions by 2100’
The Guardian, 2022
3. Timber Tower II (The Hague)
Timber Tower II
Timber Tower II balcony and apartment view
4. Timber Tower III (Rotterdam)
Human-scale view of the Timber Tower III and its relationship to the Maas River
Timber Tower III on the river Maas
Researchers have found that a hybrid, mid-rise CLT commercial building provided a 15-26% reduction in global warming potential, depending on the building design.
Pierobon et al. 2019
Road side view of the tower entrance pavilion
5. Conclusion + Credits
The next generation of buildings can be grown, instead of constructed.
PLP Lead Researchers
University of Cambridge Lead Researchers
Smith and Wallwork Engineers Lead Researchers
