SPLAM Pavilion – Robotically Fabricated Timber Pavilion Explores Future Construction Methods at 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennial

Designed and fabricated by SOM and the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, the pavilion is an open-air learning lab and gathering space for a school in Chicago’s South Shore.

The product of a multi-year creative collaboration between Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and University of Michigan Taubman College, led by professors Tsz Yan Ng and Wes McGee, the SPLAM [SPatial LAMinated timber] pavilion showcases the potential for prefabricated timber framing panels using robotic technology to advance more sustainable and efficient methods of design and construction.

Spatial-laminated timber (SLT) proposes an evolution of conventional framing systems, using an optimized timber structure. The pavilion, unveiled on September 17 at the opening of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, is a full-scale prototype of a single-story SLT structural framing system used in mid-rise, fire-resistant construction. Lighter in weight than conventional building framing methods, SLT reduces material use by 46% compared to a traditional cross-laminated timber panel. The pavilion demonstrates a solution that could dramatically reduce timber consumption and overall carbon footprint if used to construct an entire building.

“Weaving together timber beams like threads in fabric, SPLAM explores the idea of using smaller pieces of wood than conventional mass timber construction systems. Doing so means that the wood can be sourced from more rapidly renewable forests, or, in theory, even from the salvaged components of de-constructed buildings,” says Scott Duncan, SOM Design Partner.

The team chose timber for its inherent sustainable qualities, as a renewable resource which has the capacity to sequester carbon compared to conventional concrete slabs. The pavilion comes together using interlocking timber joints, which allows for shorter and salvaged wood beams to be used.

“Automated manufacturing technologies enable us to precisely and efficiently prefabricate a kit of parts which can be delivered to the construction site on demand, leveraging skilled labor where it is most effective in the process,” say Professors Tsz Yan Ng and Wes McGee.

SPLAM is a permanent addition to EPIC Academy’s South Shore campus, one of Chicago’s most innovative high schools. The pavilion will host a series of performances during the Biennial, and will function as an outdoor classroom and performance venue afterwards, contributing to the future of post-pandemic teaching and learning. The pavilion was designed and constructed in partnership with Autodesk, McHugh Construction, Gremley & Biedermann, and REX Engineering Group.