Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Architect: PLP + University of Cambridge + Smith & Wallwork Engineers.

The use of timber in the built environment is increasing due to its potential to improve wellbeing in a city context. Oakwood Tower II is a proposed building located in the historic center of a major city in the Netherlands. The tower’s cross section is oval with a floor print of approximately 24m by 48m at the base. The tower’s layered façade comprises crossing certified glulam columns that create a woven-like load-bearing façade, providing the main lateral stability of the tower. The glulam columns are evenly spaced at 3.6m on the perimeter and extend as straight elements throughout the height of the tower, creating a hyperboloid 3D form. The scheme incorporates social amenities at the base, including restaurants and a terrace plaza café that leads to an upper public plaza. The upper levels of the tower feature a public bar that offers panoramic views of the nearby park and coastline, occupying the tallest such public area in the city in an open triple height space.

Photo credit: PLP Architecture.