MAGAZINE

The faceted façade of the Tianjin Juilliard School illustrates how to incorporate natural timber panels into rainscreen cladding with complex geometries. Expansion joints and other factors are essential to ensure precision that accounts for the material’s movement due to expansion and contraction.

We interviewed Marina del Mármol and Mauro Bravo about their SFJ6 project, which rethinks the construction of social housing in the wake of the pandemic. The design focuses on well-being in both interior and exterior spaces, promoting social interaction and the connection between the homes and the city.

The SFJ6 project in Puente de Vallecas, Madrid, envisions social housing designed to optimize small spaces without compromising quality of life. Featuring cross ventilation and access to balconies, the common areas encourage social interaction, incorporating warm materials like Parklex Prodema timber panels.

Thanks to technological advancements in construction and architecture, natural timber can achieve levels of resistance comparable to other contemporary materials without requiring constant and costly maintenance. We review the available options for wooden exteriors in the market.

Ventilated façades, consisting of an interior layer, insulation, and a non-tight exterior layer, provide energy efficiency, acoustic insulation, and aesthetic appeal. Their installation must comply with international regulations governing thermal efficiency, health standards, fire safety, and structural integrity.

Sustainability in construction aims to meet current needs without compromising the future, balancing environmental protection, social equity, and economic responsibility. Parklex Prodema provides materials certified by organizations like PEFC and FSC, facilitating sustainable building practices.

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.