Roofing

Holzbau Amann developed the roof construction in co-operation with the Swiss wood-specialist Hermann Blumer/structural planning of the engineering office SJB Kempter.Fitze.

The structure will be composed of a glue laminated timber, making it highly resistant and enabling uncommon lengths. Two layers will be superimposed in three different directions across the hexagonal structure. This mesh will enable the roof to span approximately 40 metres, resting on only a few supporting parts.

The roof's mesh (left) and the Chinese hat that inspired the structure (right)
© CA2M / Shigeru Ban Architects Europe & Jean de Gastines Please click to enlarge!

The roof's geometry is irregular, featuring curves and counter-curves over the entire building, and in particular the three exhibition galleries. The roof structure will be one of the largest and most complex built to date. Aeraulic wind tunnel studies will determine its performance.

The roof structure was inspired by a Chinese hat found in Paris by Shigeru Ban.

Imitating this kind of hat and its protective fabric, the entire wooden structure will be covered with a white fibreglass membrane and a coating of teflon. This waterproof material creates a controlled and naturally temperate environment, which will help ensure that works of art are exposed and conserved in the best possible conditions.

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