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Completion of WUR's all-wood Research Building

Thursday Aug 29, 2024

The final design for Wageningen University & Research's (WUR) Research Building is now complete. This versatile facility will accommodate both laboratories and offices, designed to meet the needs of current users as well as future research teams. It is built with flexibility in mind, allowing for easy adaptation to future changes in function or use.

WUR is committed to both flexibility and top-tier sustainability. "The Research Building had to meet stringent criteria," says Harmen Landman. "Therefore, it will feature a full timber construction, including columns, beams, and floors made from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Additionally, the timber structure is designed to be disassemblable and circular." Harmen adds, "Our calculations show that this design will sequester 2,600 tonnes of CO2."

Innovative wood construction for laboratory building
The use of an all-wood design for such a complex building represents a significant innovation in the Netherlands, especially given the strict noise and vibration standards. "We brought a timber construction specialist into the project early on," Harmen explains. "Working with the design team, we tackled key factors such as optimal span and floor design. Our collaborative efforts have resulted in some excellent solutions."

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