ADVANCED TIMBER INSTITUTE

by Liva Balode

The ADVANCED TIMBER INSTITUTE is proposed as a new centre for research and innovation in timber construction methodologies. With the coming of engineered timber and mass timber structures, a new centre for innovation, dissemination, development and teaching addresses and pushes forward a new forefront in timber architecture. The east podium contains the workshop, digital fabrication facilities, a timber seasoning yard and a greenhouse. Capitalising on the canal frontage and the adjacent bar/brewery, the north block’s eastern elevation offers a gallery and cafe on the ground floor. A unique aspect of this programme is that the institute offers residencies for researchers and students. This is in part to offer the experience of living, working and experiencing advanced timber architecture on a daily basis as well as the benefit of having full 24hr access to the workshop and production facilities on site, which will facilitate research and teaching objectives.