100 Years Of Style

Wood in Architecture: 100 Years of Innovation and Consideration 

For centuries, wood has been a fundamental material in architecture, known for its natural aesthetics and structural strength. From 1925 to today, the use of wood has undergone a remarkable transformation - from a local building material to a key component in large, visionary projects around the world. This article delves into the role of wood in architecture over the past century, exploring its evolution into a preferred material for innovative design and sustainable solutions. 

Wood in the Early 20th Century: Functional Simplicity
At the beginning of the 1900s, wood was primarily used in residential buildings and local constructions, mainly due to its availability and workability. However, the emergence of Modernism in the 1920s and 1930s opened up new possibilities for wood as a material that could combine function with aesthetics.
Architects like Alvar Aalto used wood to create warmth and human scale in their designs. A prime example is his Paimio Sanatorium (1933), where laminated wood was used for furniture and interior elements, demonstrating the material's versatility and potential in modernist buildings. 

Post-War Era: Engineering Innovation and New Wood Materials
After World War II, technological advancements led to the development of new wood-based materials such as plywood and laminated veneer lumber. These innovations made it possible to create more complex and spectacular forms that had previously been beyond reach with solid wood.
An iconic example is Frei Otto’s Multihalle Mannheim (1975), where glulam was used to create large spans in the light and floating roof structure. This project marked a new era for wood’s use in architecture and cemented its role in large, ambitious buildings. 

Wood's Renaissance: Sustainability and Technology
Since the 1990s, wood has experienced a renaissance as an architectural material. The development of Cross-Laminated Timber revolutionised wood construction by allowing it to be used as the primary load-bearing element in structures that previously required concrete or steel.
Mjøstårnet in Norway, the world’s tallest building of wood at 85.4 meters, completed in 2019, is a prime example of wood's application in modern high-rise architecture. The building not only demonstrates the strength and flexibility of wood but also its potential in sustainable construction. 

Architectural Expression: Tradition and Innovation
Wood's versatility has made it a popular choice among architects who seek to blend tradition with innovation. Today, wood is used in a wide range of styles - from minimalist Scandinavian designs to complex, parametric structures.
Henning Larsen’s The Wave in Vejle is an example of how engineered wood can be used to create complex, undulating forms that combine advanced digital fabrication technologies with the timeless qualities of wood. 

Sustainability: Wood’s Role in Future Construction
In an era of climate change, wood has become a pivotal element in sustainable building practices. As a renewable material with a low carbon footprint, wood offers significant advantages over concrete and steel. It also acts as a natural carbon sink, making it a key material in the fight against climate change.
Innovative approaches like bio-enhanced wood and prefabricated timber modules help reduce construction waste and increase efficiency in the building process. Along with responsible forestry practices and certifications such as FSC and PEFC, these solutions ensure that the use of wood remains environmentally responsible. 

The Next 100 Years
The potential of wood is far from exhausted. Future architecture is likely to feature even more advanced wood materials and technologies that can compete with traditional building materials in both strength and sustainability. With its ability to combine aesthetics, functionality, and environmental considerations, wood will remain a cornerstone of modern architecture - now and in the future. 

Photos: Jonas Westling, Sara Cultural Centre, Skellefteå