Pilot project and test construction with the Danish Technological Institute to test the future use of bio-based building materials
- Address
- Helgeshøj Allé, Taastrup
Info
- Client
- Danish Technological Institute
- Area
- 340 m²
- Architect
- Waugh Thistleton Architects/Panum & Kappel
- Project Period
- 2022–2024
- Contractor
- Adserballe & Knudsen
- Total Construction Cost
- Confidential
Nature of the project
The Danish Technological Institute in Høje Taastrup is currently testing building solutions designed to demonstrate that bio-based building materials can compete with more traditional building materials in terms of price, durability, flexibility, safety, and much more.
Build-in-Wood is a pan-European demonstration project led by the Danish Technological Institute and funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, with sponsors from across Europe supplying materials and components for the project.
The test building, called the “Demonstrator,” is part of the Build-in-Wood project. The building features a shell constructed with a load-bearing frame of glued-laminated timber columns and beams, as well as CLT floor panels and lightweight wood facades, and is built on screw pile foundations to reduce the need for concrete.
The purpose of the test building is to lay the groundwork for the future use of bio-based materials in construction.
The building has a total area of 340 m², which includes 80 m² of office space, kitchen and restroom facilities, as well as a 70 m² laboratory where materials and sustainable solutions can be tested under realistic conditions.
There is a particular focus on acoustics, moisture, and fire safety, as these are considered especially challenging when using bio-based materials in construction.
The building system was developed by Build-in-Wood and was designed with the vision that virtually all components should be replaceable and scalable. The removable parts of the structure are therefore designed so that the center beam, floor, and roof panels can all be dismantled.
Quote
"At ABC, we feel a great responsibility to contribute to a greener industry, and one of the ways we can do that is by contributing to new, more sustainable building materials. The Build-In-Wood Demonstrator is a fantastic project created in collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute, Adserballe & Knudsen, Waugh Thistleton Architects, and Panum & Kappel. One of the really cool things about this project is that you can take the buildings apart and move them to another location—truly innovative and forward-thinking.”
Sustainability
Over one-fifth of Denmark’s total CO2 emissions come from the construction industry. That’s why we need to explore alternative building materials—and bio-based materials, such as wood, in particular, offer significant green potential.
The goal of ‘Demonstrator’ is precisely to test the potential and challenges associated with using bio-based building materials, so that we can find long-term solutions that will benefit bio-based construction projects in the future. For this reason, the building was constructed using glued-laminated timber columns and beams, CLT floor panels, and lightweight wood facades, as well as a foundation of screw piles.
At the same time, the building system is flexible, both in terms of material separation and scalability, giving it greater potential for widespread adoption in the industry.
