The first thing that catches the eye is the atrium courtyard in the centre. The long curved pine boards half-covering the patio form a trellis that titillates the imagination. The trellis protects against the wind and filters the long rays of the Nordic sun into the courtyard. The charming interplay of light and shade can be observed throughout the day, as the bright morning light gradually turns into the red glow of the Northern midnight sun.

Architecture Compact: Wood  -  by Barbara Linz

HF ULLMANN 2009  -  ISBN 9783833148903

Modern conceptions of wood architecture tend to avoid the rustic – they lean in the opposite direction. An attention to and emphasis on lines often coincides with the building’s basic ascetic forms. And still, the reference to nature as our first dwelling, as the origin of all building and the source of creative materials that are both long-lasting and beautiful lives on in every wood design. This book showcases the most beautiful and interesting instances of the use of wood in international architecture and interior design in the 21st century. The 40 projects presented in this volume exemplify the specific character of the material, construction details, new technology as well as the diversity of the theme.

Many of the buildings shown in this book use wood in a context of ecologically friendly buildings, leaving  the material unfinished, in its natural structure and colour and its living aesthetic. Some of the architects use emphatically organic forms or wood as opposed to the linear forms used by others.

British Medieval Architecture

Richard Haddlesey is presently actively involved in surveying timber-framed properties in Hampshire between AD1130 and 1530. He has found many interesting joints and he is in the process of writing his thesis and modelling the joints. As a result this website will constantly evolve and be updated. Not all the data can be published here until after the thesis is submitted, but he is more than happy to talk with any interested parties regarding his work.

The alliance between architecture and structural engineering is fundamental to the design of the buildings and bridges around us. Anyone who needs or wants to "understand " a building must have a good understanding of the structural concepts involved. Yet "structure" is often cloaked in mathematics - which many find difficult to get to grips with.

How Structures Work has been written to explain the behaviour of structures in a clear way without resorting to complex mathematics. Using the minimum of mathematics it explains the structural concepts clearly, illustratedby many historical and contemporary examples, allowing readers to build up a general understanding of structures. In this way they can easily comprehend the structural aspects of buildings for themselves. Primarily aimed at students who require a good qualitative understanding of the behaviour of structures and their materials, it will be of particular interest to students of architecture and building surveying, plus architectural historians and conservationists. The straightforward, non-mathematical approach ensures it will also be suitable for a wider audience including building administrators, archaeologists and the interested layman.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, TRADA has commissioned an inspirational publication entitled Timber in contemporary architecture - a designer's guide, written by leading experts in timber architecture and engineering  Peter Ross, Giles Downes and Andrew Lawrence.

The beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of timber and its contemporary uses for designers, combining sound technical expertise with inspirational concepts. It includes more than 300 photographs and drawings.

Summary

This consultation sets out the proposed changes to Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part F (Means of Ventilation) of the Building Regulations that are planned to come into force in 2010.

The consultation also proposes a range of measures, including a strategy for training and dissemination, designed to further improve the levels of compliance and performance in buildings.

The consultation closes on the 17 September 2009.

Link to Source Page

Basic introduction to square rule layout in softwood timbers (douglas fir).

We will cut a frame for a camping shelter for a nearby school.  The design has been slightly daisywheeled.

Price: £365,- including course materials, lunch and snacks.

Date: August 24 to 29. Both days included.

The course will be held at TimberSolutions workshop 50 kilometers north of Copenhagen Airport.

Airport pickup, tools and lodging for overseas visitors can be arranged.  The course is to be held in Danish, dubbed in English.

Paul Raff Studio shared with us their latest project. The sales pavilion for the Bluepoint Residences located on the island of Phuket Thailand, invites the public to enjoy the scenery, peruse the development plans, and observe the 20-unit residences’ construction in a comfortable lounge setting. The pavilion’s dynamic architecture compliments the site, which features a spectacular, panoramic vista overlooking the Adaman Sea.

From: www.dezona.com

8th July 2009

From Tree to Timber Frame

By Laurie Smith of the Carpenters’ Fellowship

Cost £50

Contact: Katie Seabright, Historic Buildings & Conservation, Essex County Council, County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QH.

Tel: 01245 437672      Fax: 01245 437213

Email: traditional.buildingskills@essex.gov.uk

 

Medieval buildings, even vernacular ones, were carefully designed using geometrical principles. This seminar, will demonstrate how buildings were laid out by masons and carpenters in buildings as diverse as Ely cathedral and the Cressing Temple Barns as well as explaining how carpenters converted trees to buildings.  The morning session will be followed by a guided tour of Cressing Temple for those who are interested.

The lecture will consist of two one-hour talks.   They will be of interest to architects, surveyors, conservation professionals and planners for specification writing and site supervision, as well as owners of historic and listed properties.  All lectures take place at Cressing Temple Barns near Braintree.  A light lunch and refreshments are included.

For information on other courses please look at our Programme for 2009-2010

The Wood Awards 2009 - Last call for Entries 

The Wood Awards is the UK's premier architecture and furniture competition celebrating excellence in design in the world's most sustainable material. Entries are now invited in 5 main categories: Commercial and Public Access, Private, Structural, Conservation/Restoration and Furniture.

Enter online at www.woodawards.com/enter.

The closing date for entries is 29th May, so for your chance to join the distinguished ranks of past winners, enter today.