The fact that wood is a building material experiencing an upturn has been seen for some time. In reality, rather than just a current trend, it would be ideal if sustainable, certified wood with structural capacity were here to stay. In the end, it may well be the material that can best help architecture finally become sustainable architecture.

To the qualities of wood as a natural and ecological material —in addition to beautiful, elegant and warm, of course— we must add technology. Research has helped glulam wood achieve extraordinary levels of structural quality. As proof of this we have VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use, designed and manufactured by Grupo Gámiz. As well as this project that we’re talking about today.

Tübingen City Hall | Arch: a+r Architekten GmbH | Product: VIGAM: Oak glulam.

‘Wood IoT Wall’. A step further in energy efficiency

We know that wooden curtain walling provides greater efficiency than conventional curtain walling (concrete, steel, aluminium, etc.). The Wood IoT Wall project aims to go even further, an ambitious objective funded by the Basque Government and the ERDF through the Hazitek programme. 

Compared to curtain walling models used currently Wood IoT Wall differs in the concept of its design with emerging technologies and capacities. For example, the project anticipates the generation of a complex BIM objective of curtain walling, as well as a digital twin for smart management of this curtain walling, and provision of knowledge, traceability and action on aspects of the structure related to energy efficiency: ventilation, shade, lighting, temperature, etc.

To make this reality, this adventure has participants who are exceptional in the world of construction, wood, industry and research. Grupo Gámiz is accompanied by Uxama, Carpintería Irastorza, Genelek and Tecnalia.

Smart curtain walling has to be wood

Today wooden curtain walling is the sustainable alternative to other applications with materials that are less respectful of the environment. This sustainability is also related to efficiency, as shown by the protagonism of wood in passivhaus buildings.

Agricultural centre, Salez | Arch: Andy Senn Architektur GmbH. | Product: VIGAM

So it is logical that when studying the creation of smart wooden curtain walling wood is the main material, like in this project, Wood IoT Wall, in which GRUPO GÁMIZ is participating with its R&D department… and with all the enthusiasm of people working here. We’ll keep you informed!

La entrada Innovation: GRUPO GÁMIZ is participating in a smart curtain walling project se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

The Italian Renzo Piano (Pritzker prize 1998) is one of the most well-known architects in the world. He is also one of the most tireless voices on the need to engage in design and construction with respect for the environment. His defence of sustainable architecture can be read in numerous interviews and statements and, of course, it can be seen in his work.

Renzo Piano’s close relationship with Paris began in the 1970s, when he created the Pompidou Centre alongside Richard Rogers. The French capital is home to one of the branches of his RPBW studio, which was responsible for creating the new Palace of Justice, located in district 17 of the city.

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats: façade with wooden curtain walling

One of the main buildings in this complex is MOdA, the headquarters of the Paris bar association, where wooden curtain walling can be seen. This sustainable solution for lightweight façades is an option that is used ever more frequently by architects thanks to the beauty of the wood and its structural abilities.

The wooden curtain walling at MOdA was built with VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use, designed, manufactured and distributed by GRUPO GÁMIZ.

The Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arq: Estudio de Renzo Piano | Producto Grupo Gámiz: Viga laminada de roble – Muro Cortina | Foto vía ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

Transparency, exchange and functionality

Curtain walling is this ideal choice to transmit one of the symbolic ideas that sustain this project by Renzo Piano: the transparency of the institutions responsible for upholding justice. From the outside, everyone can see the comings and goings of the people who work there.

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

In addition, the building and its adjacent squares have been designed to serve the other activities typical of the Court of Justice and, likewise, form part of the public life of the neighbourhood.

La entrada A symbol of transparency manufactured in wood se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

The concept of sustainable architecture seeks construction and building solutions that prioritise all that is sustainable and ecological and that, at the same time, spur creativity and imagination in projects.

In this regard, sustainable construction materials play a very important role. The versatility of wood, a natural material (together with stone, one of the mainstays of architecture since the beginning), brings it to centre stage in the revolution in façades: wooden curtain walling.

New General Secretariat of the European Parliament, Luxembourg | Product: Oak glulam – wooden curtain wall

Sustainability starts with the façade

Architects’ shop talk usually mentions the façade as the key to a project. This is not just the first impression the building gives, it is also, to a great extent, its capacity for sustainability and energy efficiency.

There is talk of sustainable façades, principally when in their development favours energy savings by making use of the sunlight and effective thermal insulation. Technology has advanced in the design and construction of profiles, lightweight façades and ventilated façades. Nevertheless, the latest innovation in façades is the structural use of wood.

Cambridge UK | Arch: Herzog & de Meuron | Product: Application of curtain wall – Oak glulam

Wooden curtain walling: beautiful, sustainable and functional

Façades are now much more sustainable thanks to wood. Architects are making use of the advantages of wooden beams for structural use to create beautiful, sustainable curtain walling.

In this type of curtain walling the passage of light is guaranteed as with other materials, but the design has greater sustainability with the renewable properties of wood, its virtues as a material with a low energy consumption (much less energy is invested in its production than in concrete, aluminium or steel and, therefore, fewer greenhouse gases are produced) and its capacity as natural thermal insulation.

And of course, the aesthetics of the façade gain from the personality of wood, with its sensations of warmth, elegance and naturalness.

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

VIGAM: the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use

At GRUPO GÁMIZ we manufacture VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use. We obtained this certificate of compliance in 2013, issued by the Materials Testing Institute of the University of Stuttgart (MPA Stuttgart, Otto-Graf-Institut). 

The technology, resistance, function and beauty of VIGAM makes this beam ideal not only as a component for interior design and decoration but also in projects with significant sustainable demands. For example, it is essential in building wooden curtain walling, where the beauty of oak becomes, in addition, a functional resource in achieving an ecological façade.

In conclusion, wood is today, more than ever, a sustainable alternative already available to architects who seek an environmental commitment and creative freedom in their work.

La entrada The latest technology in sustainable façades: wooden curtain walling se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

The CE marking or Certificate of Compliance (Conformité Européenne in French) is a certificate awarded by the European Union. Obtaining it means that the product can be sold in Europe without any restrictions.

There are special CE marking regulations for construction products. The legal and technical requirements are so strict that the CE marking practically acts as quality standardisation worldwide, as many countries take note of it when placing their trust in certain products.

CE marking

The CE marking is also necessary to sell wood used for the structural purposes in Europe. We are talking about any timber component intended for construction, such as beams.

VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use

The CE marking ensures that a construction product complies with the quality and safety requirements defined in the Construction Products Regulation 305/2011

1. Mechanical resistance and stability
2. Safety in the event of fire
3. Hygiene, health and environment
4. Safety and accessibility of use
5. Noise protection
6. Energy savings and thermal insulation
7. Use sustainable of natural resources

GRUPO GÁMIZ designs and manufactures VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use, which is part of a catalogue of timber beams that goes way beyond interior design and decoration.

Refurbishment of the Santa María cathedral in Vitoria-Gasteiz | Arch: Leandro Cámara | Product: curved oak glulams

How is the CE marking in structural wood obtained?

To obtain the CE marking the manufacturer must first know the European regulations. They then have to design and manufacture their product in line with them, and finally evaluate it based on the requirements specified in the standard UNE-EN 14080:2013 for the species included in this standard. Once this objective has been achieved, the intervention of an external organisation authorised to validate these results is required.

In the specific case of wood species that are not standardised or listed in the standard, as is the case for oak, the CE marking must be obtained with the ETA (European Technical Approval).

The CE marking (also known as the CE Certificate of Conformity) as structural timber was issued for VIGAM oak glulam beams by GRUPO GÁMIZ in 2013 by the prestigious Materials Testing Institute of the University of Stuttgart (MPA Stuttgart, Otto-Graf-Institut). In addition to being pioneers, GRUPO GÁMIZ is still today the only manufacturer in the world of oak glulam beams with the CE marking for structural use.

The advantages of oak glulam beams with the CE marking for structural use in sustainable architecture

Thanks to this certification, VIGAM wooden glulam beams for structural use can be used to build detached houses, restore historical monuments or buildings and, in general, for any structural use that requires aesthetic and sustainability objectives.

There are infinite possibilities thanks to the advantages of timber as a building material:

• Wood protects the climate
• High load capacity: Wood has a high load capacity but is lighter than other construction materials (steel, etc.)
• Dimensional stability: wood is a highly developed building material.
• Wood burns safely: unlike other construction materials, the behaviour of wood in a fire is predictable and can be controlled.
• Minimum environmental impact: Wood obtained sustainably ensures that other trees will grow again in that environment.
• Wood is comfortable: it smells good and creates a very pleasant atmosphere. It is a warm building material that does not take heat from the human body.
• Wood is especially suitable for prefabrication.
• Wood provides variety in construction design.
• Wood does not generate waste: it can be recycled easily.

Detached residence, Trentino | Carpentry: Damiani-Holz&KO S.P.A./AG. | Product: Oak glulam

Wooden curtain walling

With VIGAM, ecological lightweight façade projects are already possible with wood, without the need for non-sustainable materials, such as steel, or those that generate a large carbon footprint, such as aluminium.

Sustainable solutions such as wooden curtain walling are multiplied using wood with structural possibilities, with aesthetic benefits also, thanks to the beauty, warmth and ecology of this ecological building material.

Maison de l’Ordre des Avocats | Arch: Renzo Piano studio | Grupo Gámiz Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall | Materials: 100% wood interior | Photo courtesy of ©L.Zylberman/Graphix-Images

In short, the CE marking for structural use of oak glulam beams by GRUPO GÁMIZ is a sustainable and aesthetic opportunity for innovative architects who want to give a new (natural) air to the construction of the future.

La entrada What does the CE marking for structural use mean for wooden glulam beams? se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

Wooden beams are unrivalled when providing warmth to the interiors of houses and homes. European oak beams, in particular, transmit the intrinsic beauty of nature and the eternal nobility of a top quality wood, strong and adaptable, recognisable at first glance by those with the most stringent aesthetic tastes.

Up to now, the traditional solution has been to use wooden beams to design decking, pergolas, attics, eaves, roofs, etc., and, above all, the interior decoration of ceilings in lofts and attics that sought an elegant, welcoming touch.

Detached residence, Trentino | Carpentry: Damiani-Holz&KO S.P.A./AG. | Product: Oak glulam

The good news for today’s architects, those whose projects are gradually shaping the list of successes of sustainable architecture, is that technology has helped oak glulam beams meet, in addition to a decorative function, a strictly structural construction objective.

Versatility is guaranteed. And with an exceptional extra: sustainability.

Wooden curtain walling is now possible

At GRUPO GÁMIZ we design and manufacture VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use. Architects now have unlimited design and creation possibilities thanks to this certification. From now on, structures traditionally built with non-sustainable materials (concrete, steel, etc.) can be designed using top quality wood.

For example, sustainable change is coming to façades all over the world with the ability to build ecological curtain walling in wood, the ideal sustainable building material thanks to its aesthetic, functional and natural qualities.

If you’re looking for inspiration, this article has eight examples of real applications of oak glulam curtain walling. You’ll see how great figures in architecture, such as Renzo Piano and Herzog & de Meuron already have faith in oak for their projects.

Cambridge UK | Arch: Herzog & de Meuron | Product: Application of curtain wall – Oak glulam

One hundred percent natural architectural flexibility

In addition to their use in ecological lightweight façades, VIGAM wooden glulam beams for structural use are the perfect material for building detached houses or the refurbishment and repair of historical monuments or buildings among many other applications.

In all cases, their aesthetic results are visible after their functional achievements in structural use, marked by their guaranteed durability and greater resistance than other types of solid beams, without dimensional limits:

• High load capacity
• More lightweight compared to other materials (steel, etc.)
• Dimensional stability: the temperature does not cause them to expand or contract
• Highly resistant to fire
• Minimum environmental impact: Wood is a natural and sustainable material

Refurbishment of the Santa María cathedral in Vitoria-Gasteiz |Arch: Leandro Cámara | Product: curved oak glulams

The sustainable structural alternative is already a reality

A few years ago, the structural possibility of wood, at this level, was a dream of architects who understand their profession as a challenge with a responsibility to the environment. Today, the only wooden glulam beams in the world with the CE marking for structural use are a viable structural alternative to concrete and steel in many projects.

Thanks to VIGAM by GRUPO GÁMIZ, this dream has come true. Sustainability, aesthetics and versatility are already on the drawing boards of the world’s architects.

La entrada Oak glulam beams: there is (structural) life beyond concrete and steel se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

Architecture began in the Neolithic period, when human beings were sedentary and started to adapt the spaces in which they were going to live. Like the prehistoric bone that Stanley Kubrick launched into the air and that came back transformed into a spaceship, between that moment and now, about 12,000 years have flown by. 

Architecture has come into the XXI century as always: evolving, asking questions, seeking answers. It seems clear that the next milestone will be construction that respects the environment and protects the planet where future generations will live. In this new era of sustainable architecture, the materials used are key. And wood seems destined to be the essential building material.

Enovos, Luxembourg | Arch: Jim Clemes | Product: Oak glulam – curtain wall

Wooden curtain walling. The lightweight façade revolution is beautiful

The construction systems for façades have also evolved throughout history. As soon as human beings had mastered making glass, they included it in their buildings to protect from the climate and enjoy natural light. It was usually secured using wood. 

The XX century connected glass with materials such as steel, aluminium and concrete, and thanks to the skyscrapers of York and Chicago curtain walling became a classic of architecture and popular imagination.

Home Insurance Building in Chicago | Arch: By William Le Baron Jenney | Photo courtesy of  Wikipedia

Today, when the threat of climate change is more real than ever, architecture, as wise as nature, is returning to the past and opting for what is natural, for wood, to reinvent itself once more and make sustainable curtain walling possible.

Quality and strength thanks to the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use

In addition to being an ecological and sustainable material, the VIGAM range by GRUPO GÁMIZ consists of the only glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use. 

This means that architects can include them in their projects to build one hundred percent wooden curtain walling. The result is a beautiful, natural and warm, welcoming and fully sustainable interior, a long way from barely ecological conventional materials such as aluminium and steel.

Cambridge UK | Arch: Herzog & de Meuron | Product: Application of curtain wall – Oak glulam

A sustainable, effective and creative alternative

Its virtues of thermal and acoustic insulation are, for example, further advantages of opting for quality certified wood in architectural projects that seek energy efficiency.

Wood has always been with us. And it always will be if we complete the circle of sustainability and the circular economy. The good news is that, if the wood products used are objectively good, architects can continue to give free rein to their imagination without renouncing strength, resistance, design or creativity, while fulfilling their responsibility of reducing the environmental impact while they work.

La entrada Can curtain walling be made entirely of wood? se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.