The 2024 edition of the London Festival of Architecture showcased a world innovation in the use of structural wood: Armadillo. It is the first experimental structure that uses exposed CLT made from eucalyptus wood.
Here are the key points of this pavilion with great acoustic qualities, the result of a collaboration between Xilonor CLT, Houghton Music & Arts Festival, Unknown Works, ConstruktCLT, Studio Allen, Rothoblaas, ARUP, Charcoalblue, Smart Space Group, Klimstar, and Rubio Monocoat.
Armadillo is a prefabricated, modular, and fully dismountable structure. After being exhibited at the London Festival of Architecture, it will be one of the stages at the Houghton Music & Arts Festival. As Ben Hayes, director of Unknown Works, highlights, “the ability to mechanize all details entirely on CLT allows us to design more precise pieces and quick assembly”. The 42 panels were installed in just 5 days. Additionally, the reduced thickness makes better use of space and is lightweight for transport.
The shape and materiality of Armadillo make it a natural sound amplifier. The angles of the wooden panels project sound outward, and the insertion arches have programmable lights, creating a dynamic multisensory experience.
“This stage demonstrates the possibilities we can still explore in the use of CLT”, explains Sen Pérez, UK manager of Xilonor. “In this case, we found a solution to expose the product to the elements: the outer layer of eucalyptus, which is more resistant in these conditions compared to pine or fir, guarantees this, while also providing aesthetic beauty, with few knots and pleasant tones”.
“In architecture, CLT is seen almost as a piece of furniture, as well as a structural element, but we must manage expectations. Humidity is the biggest constraint if control systems are not adjusted, as we have applied in Armadillo”, concludes Jim Johnstone, director of ConstruktCLT.
Regarding humidity control, Sen Pérez adds two challenges in the use of CLT: “the knowledge of this material needs to be enhanced, because sometimes we find that even among professionals in the sector, there is confusion with glulam, and training must be promoted to facilitate the proper application of the product”.
Don’t miss this architectural marvel if you are in the UK this summer, and follow the accounts of the collaborating entities to stay updated on their next stops.
