Metsä Wood challenged the participants of the RE:EASA 2018 event to develop their own designs for the Open Source Wood Initiative. Every summer, EASA (European Architecture Students Assembly) organizes a two-week event of workshops, learning and networking for architectural students from all around Europe. This year, the event was titled “RE:EASA” and took place in July in Rijecka, Croatia. The competition designs uploaded to the Open Source Wood web library were evaluated by a team of experts and the best received awards.
Launched last year by Metsä Wood, the Open Source Wood initiative aims to collect innovations in wood construction from all around the world. At opensourcewood.com, students and professionals alike can share their designs for wood elements and modules, as well as connect with each other.
Tackling the challenges of urbanisation with modular off-site construction
The challenge for RE:EASA participants was to design multi-storey housing using Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber) based elements and modules available on Open Source Wood. The design was to be suitable for off-site construction, i.e., modules or building components needed to be light and easily transferable to the construction site. The main question was “How can modular wood construction be implemented in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way in an urban environment using wood elements available in Open Source Wood?”
Altogether nine entries from groups and individuals around Europe took up the challenge. Jussi Björman, Director, Technical Customer Service at Metsä Wood and a member of the jury said,
“It was exciting to see how well-thought out designs using ready-made elements the competitors could deliver in such a short time.”
The winning designs are:
- 1st prize, 2,000 euros: Sponge by Kate Rybenchuk
- 2nd prize, 500 euros: Modular Multi-storey Student accommodation by Viktoria Hevesi
- 2nd prize, 500 euros: Yonca by Ahmet Can Karakadilar and Nida Bilgen
The design that won the first prize, Sponge, is based on two modules designed with elements taken from the Open Source Wood library. The clever system allows endless possibilities for creating multi-story buildings. “Well described multi-story system based on only two modules. High potential for industrial off-site construction,” Björman says.
Kate Rybenchuk, the creator of the winning design, sees lots of possibilities in using elements and components based on Kerto® LVL.
“Building high structures with wood is starting to gain popularity, and hopefully in the future it will take a major role in high-rise construction.”
Metsä Wood continuously rewards the best designs shared on Open Source Wood. Join the initiative at opensourcewood.com