Wood In Architecture Issue 1, 2022

BIG PICTURE
in September 2021 at the opening of
the Chicago Architecture Biennial, is a
full-scale prototype of a single-storey
SLT structural framing system used in
mid-rise, fire-resistant construction.
Lighter in weight than conventional
building framing methods, SLT reduces
material use by 46% compared to a
cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel.
The pavilion demonstrates a solution
that could reduce timber consumption
and overall carbon footprint if used to
construct an entire building.
“Weaving together timber beams like
threads in fabric, SPLAM explores
the idea of using smaller pieces of
wood than conventional mass timber
construction systems. Doing so means
that the wood can be sourced from
more rapidly renewable forests, or,
in theory, even from the salvaged
components of deconstructed
buildings,” said Scott Duncan, SOM
design partner.
The team chose timber for its inherent
sustainable qualities, as a renewable
resource which has the capacity
to sequester carbon compared to
conventional concrete slabs. The
pavilion comes together using
interlocking timber joints, which allows
for shorter and salvaged wood beams
to be used.
“Automated manufacturing
technologies enable us to precisely
and efficiently prefabricate a kit
of parts which can be delivered to
the construction site on demand,
leveraging skilled labour where it
is most effective in the process,”
said professors Ng Tsz Yan and Wes
McGee.
SPLAM is a permanent addition to EPIC
Academy’s South Shore high school
campus. The pavilion will host a series
of performances during the Biennial,
and will function as an outdoor
classroom and performance venue
afterwards, contributing to the future of
post-pandemic teaching and learning.
The pavilion was designed and
constructed in partnership with
Autodesk, McHugh Construction,
Gremley & Biedermann, and REX
Engineering Group.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 1– 2022 21