Wood in Cutting-Edge Engineering Work

A temperature-controlled bioclimatic greenhouse with complex and innovative geometry, extending as far as the eye can see with a dynamic interplay of inclined planes: this is what the Winter Garden at Merlata Bloom shopping center in Milan looks like. This is also a meeting place, where nature finds space thanks to small green oases with plants and shrubs, but especially by virtue of the structure’s architecture. The alternating use of wood and glass creates the impression of great continuity with the outdoors and a deep connection with the natural environment. An integral part of an ambitious urban redevelopment project in the north-west quadrant of the city where Merlata Bloom is located, the winter garden on the first floor of the shopping center was realized by Rubner Timber Construction.

Specializing in large structural works in glulam, the company designed, produced, and assembled the large structure – designed by the London-based studio CallisonRTKL – in collaboration with Rossetti Engineering (ImmobiliarEuropea Group), Cantieri Commerciali, and Gualini. With a curvilinear plan and ridge and eave lines of varying heights, the project required 106 glulam portals of various dimensions, with a maximum span and height of 34 and 15 m, respectively. A total of 2,500 cu. m of glulam and 500 cu. m of CLT panels were used. The portals not only shape the futuristic form of the Winter Garden, they also “represent an example of the enormous potential that a sustainable material like wood can play in molding the future of cities”, said Peter Rosatti, CEO of Rubner Timber Construction in Bressanone. “Wood not only stores CO₂ emissions and allows for reuse and recycling, but also ensures less production costs in terms of energy and disposal”. The Winter Garden, like the rest of the complex, is the result of a design consistent with DNSH (Do No Significant Harm), the European principle that combines economic growth and environmental protection. The effect is one of complex geometry and dynamic roofing played out on different levels, with a rhythmic alternation of large windows rising from the ground to the roof. This is how the views of the surrounding nature and the entry of natural light become the protagonists of the project.

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Wood in Cutting-Edge Engineering Work - ©Nicola Ughi, courtesy of Rubner Timber Construction

Wood in Cutting-Edge Engineering Work - ©Nicola Ughi, courtesy of Rubner Timber Construction

Wood in Cutting-Edge Engineering Work - ©Nicola Ughi, courtesy of Rubner Timber Construction

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