TIMBER DESIGN AND INNOVATION CENTER AT MORATUWA, SRI LANKA

Project idea

Concept- Revitalize the community of timber crafting by strengthening the relationship between Industry, Education and Technology, social and physical environment by introducing a knowledge exchanging hub.
Sri Lanka inherit a rich history of timber craft industry. Wooden architecture and wood- carving are inextricably linked in the traditional wooden architecture of Sri Lanka, the allied skills simultaneously highlight the construction and carving skills master-craftsmen.
Moratuwa is the well-known city in Sri Lanka regarding Timber Crafts, especially in furniture designing. It owns to a remarkable history related with this industry. At present, there is a higher demand for timber crafts. Nevertheless, there are many issues relate to this industry. Therefore, finding solutions for these issues is important for the betterment of the industry the community and the nation at large. The main issue identified in timber craft industry in Sri Lanka was Lack of knowledge on new technologies and new innovative designs to reach the international market.
Timber design and innovation center at Moratuwa introduced as a supportive systematic approach for linking local timber industry with export market with an attempt to provide a space for creating harmony between two societies, product designers and timber craft community.
Design intention is to design a supportive architectural design solution, a simple building which is visually linked and a space which emphasizes the importance of timber industry. With the objective of use building as a visualization of timber material enhancing the ability of timber in structural applications exhibiting the potential of timber material in construction industry. While facilitating a place for timber crafting community, designers and public integrated and work together to achieve a good international market with the proposed knowledge sharing hub.

Project description

Throughout both the exterior and interior of this Timber Design & Innovation center, timber has been used as the main material of construction. This timber structure is not hidden and is allowed to shine through into the interiors by allowing the structure and architecture of the building play the main role in its interior design.

The interior of all spaces in the design showcases the many forms, colors, textures and properties of timber through the walls, floors and furniture; to prove the versatility and potential of timber in various applications ranging from construction to decor.

The entrance structure, made of Glulam timber, is surrounded by timber weaving architecture that exhibits timber joints used in traditional timber crafting & weaving designs done in the center. The use of this weaving design in the interior of the entrance informs anyone passing through, of the innovative designs and joints used by the talented craftsmen hosted by the center. As the designs used by the craftsmen change from time to time, so do the interior of this structure as the timber weaving structure is changed to showcase the newly adapted design.
The nature of this weaving structure allows light to fall through into the space while also allowing a play of light as the weaving designs change from time to time. The users get the chance to enjoy the many patterns created by the light keeping them busy with thought and excitement.

The use of the many colors of timber in the building spaces and interior all lead to a feeling of warmth, invitation and belonging, as timber is known for the warm colors it brings from its natural properties due to its yellow, orange and red undertones. Timber creates a traditional, comforting or rustic feel into the spaces. This is most suitable for this particular building; keeping its aims & concept to connect and build in mind. Therefore, interiors with an extensive use of timber are stimulating and social; thus promoting harmony Interconnection & co-working between the different targeted societies; just like in the joints displayed and used in the building structure. These joints display a strong bond created through technical joints. They act as a metaphor for the bonds created between the timber industry, design & technical students, craftsmen, market consumers, exporters and general public as a result of the establishment of this innovative building.

Technical information

The building structure has been done using Glue Laminated structural timber columns and beams.
Highlight the potential of timber material in building construction their advantages how timber can be integrated to produce architectural spaces using several timber construction joints combine with other materials like steel and concrete. Use timber as main construction material in the design. The objectives of using timber are,
- Use building as a visualization of timber material
- Enhance the ability of timber in structural applications
- Use different timber floor, wall finishes providing an experience to the user on the potential of different timber products in construction industry.
- The potential of timber material is exhibited through the building facades
The facades are showing the material potential through the timber texture and color, and it is exhibiting to the city. The building facades maximize the visual connection between building and street. And it gives different characters. The building facades and the entrance structure acts as a backdrop for the public activities allowing people to experience the place.