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segmented timber gridshell "Onlywood"

Bern, Switzerland

The segmented timber gridshell was built by students of BFH | Bern University of Applied Sciences as an architectural highlight for the village festival in Rupperswil. A project that unites tradition, academia, and sustainability.

A fusion of innovative architecture and cutting-edge construction

The structure was created as part of the Special Week at BFH | Bern University of Applied Sciences and divided into three segments to enable efficient prefabrication in the workshop. It was built using three-ply laminated and curved battens made from locally sourced timber, processed directly in the university’s own sawmill. The gridshell was fastened with LIGNOLOC® wooden nails by BECK, ensuring a metal-free connection and underlining the project’s consistent commitment to sustainability.

_{Photo: © BFH | Bern University of Applied Sciences}

Learn more about LIGNOLOC® wooden nails by BECK

_{Photo: © BFH | Bern University of Applied Sciences}

“Projects like the Onlywood timber gridshell with BFH | Bern University of Applied Sciences demonstrate the value of BECK’s collaboration with universities and technical colleges. Together we are laying the foundation for circular construction and developing innovative fastening technologies that will shape the future of timber building.”

engineer Stefan Siemers

Director Research & Development | BECK

BECK & Academic Research: A Sustainable Connection

Timber gridshells can carry heavy loads, are material-efficient, and enable large spans – making them a key element of forward-looking sustainable architecture. Together with universities and technical colleges, BECK is working to develop new approaches to resource-efficient and circular construction. These partnerships make it possible to test innovative ideas in practice and lay the foundation for the sustainable building methods of tomorrow.

_{Photo: © BFH | Bern University of Applied Sciences}

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