MAGAZINE

The Aspen Art Museum designed by Shigeru Ban features a lattice of natural timber panels that acts as a thermal envelope, regulating temperature and light inside. After 10 years of extreme weather, Parklex Prodema timber has proven its durability without the need for maintenance, retaining its original aesthetics.

Timber, an essential material in architecture, is making a comeback in iconic projects thanks to technological evolution. From Shigeru Ban to Frank Gehry, contemporary architects are embracing innovative solutions that combine the aesthetics of timber with the durability of technological materials.

Although the use of timber in interiors has been limited by its vulnerability to wear, technological advances have improved its durability, allowing for its application in high-traffic environments. We present three projects by RAAM studio that incorporate natural timber flooring, ensuring durability without the need for maintenance.

The Harry Parker Center revitalizes a neglected stretch of the Charles River in Boston with a sustainable design that earned it the Harleston Parker Medal. The project includes two buildings, with the main one clad in Parklex Prodema timber panels that adapt to a shutter system to reduce energy consumption, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Designed by Foster + Partners, 50 Hudson Yards is the fourth-largest commercial building in New York, spanning 269,419 m². Its 58 bathrooms feature waterproof wood panelling by Parklex Prodema, chosen in collaboration with the firm. These panels provide protection against moisture and fire, while also contributing to the building’s LEED Gold certification.

The Tianjin Juilliard School, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, features four pavilions connected by glass bridges, integrating classrooms and practice rooms. The architects collaborated with PARKLEX PRODEMA to select wood panels for the exterior façade, with the Rustik finish harmonizing with the natural landscape.

Gensler’s adaptive reuse project for the Frisco Public Library transforms a former Texas factory into a 14,000 m² center for reading and learning. Using PARKLEX PRODEMA panels on its façade, the design harmonizes with the local flora and reinforces its historical context, blending modern functionality with a sense of place.

Gensler’s design for the Moody Center at the University of Texas transforms the stadium into the campus’s epicenter. The timber canopy, clad with Parklex Prodema, creates a welcoming and flexible atmosphere, adapting to various events while reducing direct sunlight in the lobbies. This integration of interior and exterior spaces enhances the user experience, fostering a seamless connection between the building and its surroundings.

Woods Bagot’s project for the St. Mary’s Calne School library, completed in 2020, transforms the space into an academic and social hub. The faceted soffit, designed to mimic tree branches, is made with custom Parklex Prodema panels crafted from Okume wood. This design element creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the library’s role as a central gathering point for the school community.