The Influence of structural timber on architectural form and space: an illustrative study

Abstract

Timber could be defined as the conversion of prepared wood. Wood is obtained from the trunks and larger branches of the tree by forming it to various shapes and sizes. Timber has been one of the most popular building materials, alongside clay and stone, for thousands of years. Further it is one of the few natural products that have been used throughout the history with almost no modification of their properties. Also it is self renewing and trees have always exerted significant ejects on people and the environment. Throughout history, as illustrated by ancient Greek temple design, wooden buildings served as the predecessors and prototypes of architectural designs, which were not earned out in stone until a much later date. The way wood grows lends itself to two fundamentally different modes of constructions: stnps of wood can be placed vertically, creating a roof - like structure over an open space, or it can be arranged in horizontal layers to create an enclosed space. Since the 1970's however, architects have, in general, overlooked the influence of timber on architectural form and space in favour of building with concrete, steel and synthetic materials. Contemporary Architects are exploring a new design world with timber architecture. In many cases we can see traditional timber construction methods and typologies, in new forms to create architectural forms and Spaces made possible by technological-advances. Most building material could be copied entirely in timber, but the opposite is certainly not true. Timber was used in almost all countries and was responsible to create a regional character in most of our places. In Sri Lanka the modern uses of timber as a structural material to create architectural forms and spaces is very limited and it is using extensively in furniture.