In matters of sustainability and environmental protection, wooden curtain walls improve on the efficiency of traditional walls built with materials such as concrete or steel.

The Wood IoT Wall project seeks to exceed these expectations with an even more innovative focus, with economic backing by the Basque Government and the ERDF, within the framework of the Hazitek programme.

The objective of this project is to further improve wooden curtain walls with cutting-edge technology and innovative proposals. The plan includes the creation of an advanced BIM model for curtain walls, in conjunction with a digital twin that provides smart assistance in its design, construction and scalability.

This system aims to optimise the energy efficiency of curtain walls through detailled management of aspects such as ventilation, shade, lighting and temperature.

Gymnasium München Nord, Alemania | Arq: h4a Gessert + Randecker Generalplaner | Product: VIGAM: oak glulam beam

New: radiata pine curtain wall

This year’s new development is marked by the tests conducted on radiata pine. To date, research to design a smart wooden curtain walls had been on the only oak glulam in the world with the CE marking for structural use.

The tests on pine have been very positive, which opens up the possibility of applying this technology to other species. An interesting fact is that each wood not only has its own characteristics, but also its own advantages in terms of application in different industrial sectors.

In this case, the radiata pine curtain wall would not have been possible without the CE marking for structural use of the radiata pine glulam wood of GRUPO GÁMIZ

Accompanying us on this adventure are Uxama, Carpintería Irastorza, Genelek and Tecnalia.

Energy efficiency achieved with beauty, elegance and sustainability

That is the true objective of R&D+i: being able to live in a better world without sacrifices. In the case of architecture, construction and industry, wood provides sustainability, function, elegance and beauty.

Thanks to research at Grupo Gámiz for example, in addition to designing and manufacturing the only single oak glulam in the world with the CE marking, we are able to make curved beams in any measurements. This boosts sustainable architecture, as we help architects shake off any limits to their creativity and their drive to respect nature.

Similarly, our glulams enable the development of curtain walls that, combined with glass and occasionally with other materials such as aluminium, result in more beautiful, radiant, elegant and natural façades.

Grupo Gámiz, innovating since 1942

With the Wood IoT Wall project we are taking a step further in perfecting the spaces where we live our lives with maximum energy efficiency.

Improving our products, protecting forests and contributing to our customers’ processes are the main starting points for our everyday work, which began in 1942. Today we are continuing along the same path of innovation and sustainability, working day by day in search of the best primary and secondary processed wood products.

Click on the link to discover how they can help you with your project.

Wood products for industry

La entrada The most natural material and the smartest design unite to build and protect the environment se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

The digital transformation has changed our understanding of life, relationships and work. In this regard, in the industrial sphere a true revolution is taking place. The roof tile factories that sprang up alongside our rivers are disappearing, giving way to the new forms of management and production of the so-called Industry 4.0 or Digital Industry.

Within the framework of this new reality, the AEGIS project arises within the Hazitek innovation programme backed by the Basque Government and the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).

Enovos, Luxemburgo | arch: Jim Clemes | Project: VIGAM: oak glulam

Integration of state-of-the-art technology and market leaders

The IoT, or “internet of things”, refers to the connection of everyday objects with the internet, a link with the purpose of making our daily life more practical, convenient, safe and efficient. In short, this interconnection provides comprehensive knowledge about the objects themselves, their use and their context, to optimise the use we make of them.

In the case of AEGIS, the objective of people’s well-being stems from innovation in the manufacture of the various elements needed in construction and furniture, two areas in which wood, in particular quality certified, sustainable wood, plays a fundamental role.

The AEGIS project centres its efforts on integrating different technologies that make it possible to create healthy buildings and spaces by generating smart infrastructure, advanced solutions for purification and disinfection and developing hygienic surfaces.

To do this, an innovation alliance has been set up comprising leading companies in their respective areas, such as Grupo Gámiz, Orona, Irurena, Airlan, Goizper, Erreka, Ingetek and Dinycon.

Kaiserhof offices, Cologne | arch: msm Meyer Schmitz-Morkramer Rhein GmbH. | Product: VIGAM: oak glulam

The digital transformation is better if it is sustainable

Today, to achieve these safe spaces and buildings, plastic or metal elements have to be included. The day-to-day effort of Grupo Gámiz’s innovation department in the search for sustainability means that our role in this project is primarily focused on providing solutions for integrating electronics into wood so it can be reused once these electronics have reached the end of their useful life.

As the project advances, new digital transformation challenges will arise that will have to be approached from a similarly sustainable perspective. At Grupo Gámiz we are accustomed to seeing the world from this viewpoint since 1942.

La entrada Wood is the perfect solution to bring sustainability to the IoT se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

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.

In these mentally unsettling times, with radical changes in how we see the world, architecture cannot remain on the sidelines. Its role as a trigger for new ways of living and sharing urban spaces has become even more important with the covid-19 crisis. It is in this extraordinary panorama where an innovative, effective, sustainable, resistant, beautiful building material with versatile applications begins to take on importance: wood.

It is strange, and yet logical, that in the final stretch of first quarter of the XXI century we are witnessing a rediscovery of natural building materials that have accompanied human beings practically since the dawn of architecture. Its renewable values (wood retains carbon, instead of releasing it into the atmosphere), its warmth and its durability complement the great creative possibilities of glulam wood, benefits that are achieved through technology and the structural certifications.

Glulam wood | Photo courtesy of  Plataforma Arquitectura

The big advantages of glulam wood

Glulam wood is a great ally of architects who do not want to limit their imagination. Its versatility makes it possible to create large, long, very wide or even curved parts.

Its beauty provides warmth, a natural atmosphere and elegance to all types of buildings, whether historic (restorations) or modern (new builds).

Wander Wood Pavilion | Product: Glulam wood | Photo courtesy of Plataforma Arquitectura

Glulam wood has great resistance and durability, perfect to withstand the inclemency of the harshest environments, including a high relative humidity.

Despite its resistance and capacity, it is much lighter and more stable than other structural materials such as concrete and steel.

Starting with the fact that it is combustible, innovations in the design and manufacture of glulam wood have turned it into a material with excellent behaviour in the event of fire. 

Using glulam wood reduces construction time, as the products necessary are quickly available from the catalogue.

And of course, one of the biggest advantages is that it is a sustainable building material, that helps protect the environment and plant the seed of a healthier world for generations to come.

Innovation: wooden curtain walling with oak glulam beams

At GRUPO GÁMIZ we manufacture VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use. Our glulam beams are being used in projects all over the world to give a new touch to lightweight façades with wooden curtain walling. A touch that brings sustainability and beauty to our lives.

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

The result? Interiors with warmer, more natural and ecological façades. Thanks to glulam wood in general, and to oak glulam beams with the CE marking for structural use in particular, a good number of professionals that contribute to sustainable architecture have increased the creative possibilities of their designs.

La entrada Sustainability in architecture is more creative with glulam beams se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

Sustainable architecture seeks construction, urban planning and habitability responses starting with a way of living, and creating, that respects the environment. It is a philosophical attitude that nevertheless requires real resources such as environmentally-friendly techniques, clean technology and ecological construction materials.

In this regard wood is the perfect ally of committed architects. Accompanying human beings since time immemorial, its natural beauty complements its properties as an ecological, recyclable and sustainable material.

Residence in Luis Manzaneque | Arch: By More Arquitectos | Product: Cladding of the exterior façade – Accoya® horizontal scantlings and oak glulams

Wood stores CO2 that is not released into the atmosphere

CO2 or carbon dioxide is a natural gas present on the planet and necessary for most living beings. Nevertheless, its extraordinary growth due to the use of fossil fuels is responsible for global warming and the greenhouse effect. What happens is that large amounts of CO2 displace the oxygen.

Wood, and the products manufactured with this material, protect our atmosphere as they are able to lock the CO2 inside, “imprisoning” the gas and, therefore, not releasing into the air.

Experts assure that building a house with wood as the basic building material prevents the emission of up to 60 tonnes of CO2 for every 100 m2.

Swedish forest

A natural material that protects the environment from its production

At the same time, the process necessary to produce wood as a building material needs a minimal amount of energy, as wood is a natural material. Manufacturing cement, steel or aluminium, for example, entails a huge energy cost, far from the energy recommendations that protect the planet and promote sustainability.

Finally, wood is an ecological building material that acts as natural thermal and acoustic insulation, so many buildings made using wood products do not require investment, or the use of non-sustainable materials, to achieve this comfort.

Certified sustainable wood

This drive for respect for the environment must have rigorous certification. Wood products that ensure the sustainability, survival and repopulation of forests and their care in the most honest and fair way possible are essential to be sure that the wood products used protect the planet.

In this regard, at GRUPO GÁMIZ we have the most important sustainable certifications, such as PEFC, FSC and EPD.

The CE marking, wood as the structural alternative to other non-sustainable materials

At GRUPO GÁMIZ we manufacture VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use. This certification makes it possible to use our glulam beams to design sustainable structures with the beauty of oak.

Music School, Getxo | Product: Oak glulam | Photo courtesy of  El Correo

For example, many architects are currently opting for wooden curtain walling. With VIGAM the beautiful, ecological lightweight façade is a reality present in projects that seek the elegance and personality of wood.

Without doubt, wood is the sustainable material par excellence, and an essential resource for sustainable architects, who already have access to structural, sustainable and beautiful alternatives, beyond concrete, steel and aluminium.

La entrada Wooden architecture against climate change se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.

Architecture and construction are two of the pillars that are moving the world towards sustainability and common sense. This can be seen in the multiple concepts that are springing up as a response to a society that is ever more committed to the environment: buildings with almost no energy consumption (ECCN), bioconstruction, zero-energy buildings, sustainable architecture, green architecture, bioclimatic architecture, organic architecture…

One of these concepts is the Passivhaus standard. Emerging in 1988 in Germany (Passivhaus means “passive house” in German), it has been moving from theory to practice as society’s awareness and science and technology have smoothed its way. In essence, the purpose of this building model is to obtain comfort in the home by monitoring certain basic principles.

In terms of figures, Passivhaus seeks to reduce the energy consumption of buildings by around 70% with respect to those constructed with conventional building standards.

Passive House

What is Passivhaus in 5 key points?

The Passivhaus housing building standard has five fundamental aspects, that have to work together:

1. High level of insulation in walls and roofs
2. Absence of heat bridging
3. Hermetic enclosure
4. High performance windows
5. Efficient ventilation systems

Taking this into account, and although in the Passivhaus concept does not prioritise any material, it is logical that one of the most requested construction materials in this standard, and with the best prospects for the future, is that which has been contributing to energy efficiency and sustainable construction for centuries even when these two concepts were still light years away: wood.

Wood reduces energy consumption from minute zero

If the objective of Passivhaus is to reduce the high energy consumption of conventional construction, what better contribution than doing so from the start. Wood is a material that barely generates CO2 emissions during its production. Nothing like the environmental impact that other construction materials generate such as steel, concrete, lime or mortar.

In addition to constituting a sustainable solution from the start, wood suits practically every single one of the key points of Passivhaus: it is an excellent natural thermal insulator that helps eliminate heat bridging.

At the same time, wood is hygroscopic, which enables it to regulate the air quality and temperature: it absorbs the environmental humidity in winter and distributes it in summer. Comfort is assured naturally.

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

And the best is still to come: wood certified for structural use

At GRUPO GÁMIZ we are the designer and manufacturer of VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use. This means that we are not just talking about decoration and interior design, but also resistance, function and structural use. 

And, of course, we are talking about beauty, quality, warmth, sensations of being at one with nature. Design, creativity and sustainability. Thanks to VIGAM, architects do not have to renounce anything in their projects: if they want wood, now beautiful, sustainable and functional solutions are possible.

For example, with VIGAM it is possible to build wooden curtain walling without using non-sustainable or cold materials such as steel or aluminium.

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

ACCOYA@: sustainable wood, without toxins, with a 50-year written guarantee

Passivhaus is not immune to the wood of the future. ACCOYA® acetylated wood is a sustainable wonder. Made from conifers and modified in a process that does not involve any toxic substances, the result is a wood that as elegant as it is powerful, ideal for exteriors and perfectly valid for interiors thanks to its quality and elegance.

Residence in Luis Manzaneque | Arch: By More Arquitectos | Product: Cladding of the exterior façade – Accoya® horizontal scantlings and oak glulams

Suitable for all types of finishes, its strength is inscribed in its written 50-year guarantee.

Passivhaus yet another example that the progress of sustainable architecture is unstoppable. Society demands this and, little by little, so do the institutions. The good news is that architects, weaving dreams of comfort and habitability, have wood products of certified quality, which, in addition to transmitting beauty, care for the planet.

La entrada Passivhaus and certified wood: common sense brings them together, the environment wins se publicó primero en Grupo Gámiz.