WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The main
architectural advantages of wood material are its lightweight,
strength and aesthetics. In addition, wood products, such as
Kerto® LVL, also have architecturally inspiring and even
health improving qualities.
The natural qualities of wood, especially its lightweight and
strength, are much-needed features in building today's urban
environments. The use of wood in architecture has proven to be
economical, structurally efficient and visually attractive.
"The composite structure that gives trees their lightness and
specific strength is the same that makes wood products strong and
lightweight. The engineered wooden beams compare well in strength
to concrete and steel alternatives," Matti Kuittinen, architect and researcher
from Aalto University, points out.
Lightness of wood enables long spans
In addition to being lightweight, design professionals value
wood materials especially for their fast construction time and
versatility. In Clamart sports center located in France, architects used Kerto LVL (laminated
veneer lumber) instead of glulam, which is generally used for
building long curved beams1.
"In this project, the complex geometry, double-curved with long
spans, presented interesting technical challenges. Kerto® LVL
enabled long spans and complex curves for which the sports center
is now famous for. Use of engineered wood frame also proved to be
economical, structurally efficient and visually attractive",
project manager-architect Gaétan Morales from Gaëtan Le
Penhuel Architects explains.
In the Clamart project, the technical solution connects the
façade and roof together with a continuous structure. This enabled
greater architectural liberty, allowing wide spans, and optimizing
the wooden structure itself.
Wood materials bring warmth and earthly feel to urban
environments
Wood as a material represents the natural world that the users
of a building can enjoy or even benefit in terms of health: by
seeing it, touching it and being surrounded by it.
A growing volume of research2 suggests that the use of wood
materials should be increased in hospitals and other healthcare
facilities. The presence of wood is associated with better patient
outcomes such as shorter recovery times and lower pain perception.
Also, unlike other natural materials, wood can be used both in
mechanical and more aesthetic role, that can include exposed
internal structures, interior design and furniture.
"In this respect, utilizing technically advanced, resource
efficient wood elements, is essential for the future as they bring
architectural diversity and aesthetic, as well as quality of
living," Kuittinen says.
Learn more about architectural qualities of wood material
This article has been published as a part of the Kerto LVL Fast,
Light, Green series. Read all articles.
Images: https://databank.metsagroup.com/l/mk7j8Rwj-SBz
References:
1 Metsä Wood references, the Clamart Sport Centre
2 S. Augustin and D. Fell, "Wood as a restorative material in
healthcare environments", FP Innovations, 2015,
https://fpinnovations.ca/media/publications/documents/health-report.pdf
For more information, please contact:
Viivi Kylämä
Marketing Manager
Metsä Wood
tel. +358-40-820-9850
viivi.kylama@metsagroup.com
Kirk Nichols
VP Sales, Americas
Metsä Wood USA
mobile: (404) 861-1098, kirk.nichols@metsagroup.com
For press information in UK, please contact:
Matt Trace
Director
Defero Communications
tel. 07828663988
matt@deferouk.co.uk
This information was brought to you by Cision
http://news.cision.com
http://news.cision.com/metsa-wood/r/metsa-wood--architects-value-wood-products-for-their-lightweight--strength-and-endless-possibilities,c2629124
The following files are available for download:
http://news.cision.com/metsa-wood/i/strong-doesn-t-have-to-be-heavy---hero,c2496908
|
Strong doesn't have
to be heavy - hero
|
http://news.cision.com/metsa-wood/i/strong-doesn-t-have-to-be-heavy---thumb,c2496909
|
Strong doesn't have
to be heavy - Thumb
|
http://news.cision.com/metsa-wood/i/clamart-sports-centre---architect-gaetan-morales,c2496910
|
Clamart sports centre
& architect Gaetan-Morales
|
http://news.cision.com/metsa-wood/i/strong-doesn-t-have-to-be-heavy---og,c2496911
|
Strong doesn't have
to be heavy - OG
|
View original
content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metsa-wood-architects-value-wood-products-for-their-lightweight-strength-and-endless-possibilities-300720042.html
SOURCE Metsä Wood