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HASSLACHER NORICA TIMBER, from wood to wonders
HASSLACHER NORICA TIMBER, from wood to wonders

Taiyuan Domes, Botanical Garden

Taiyuan, China

© StructureCraft
© StructureCraft
© StructureCraft

Three timber gridshell dome structures form the centerpiece of this garden, with each of the three domes creating different climates and environments. Two of the three domes accommodate the pavilions for tropical and desert plants, while the third dome is designed to house an aquatic environment sitting directly on a lake.
All three domes have a unique topology, opening towards the south for maximum solar gain during summer and winter. The geometric generation of these domes presented a particular challenge, as they are not spheres, and initially each of the Glulam elements would have been doubly curved to create the geometry.
The largest dome has a clear span of over 300 ft, making this one of the largest timber gridshells worldwide.

Project information
Location: Taiyuan / China
Architect: Delugan Meissl Associated Architects
Year of construction: 2019-2020
Products used: glued laminated timber special components, glued laminated timber