Photo courtesy of the American Hardwood Export Council
Showcasing the innovative use of tulipwood (poplar) in cross-laminated timber technology (CLT) is Endless Stair, a towering, Escher-like structure of 15 interlocking staircases demonstrating the potential for using tulipwood – an abundant, relatively inexpensive and structurally impressive American Hardwood – to build walls and floors of buildings.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is typically made from softwood. But the innovative Endless Stair, designed by dRMM Architects and engineered by Arup, pioneers the use of hardwood in CLT, adding new dimension to timber in construction. Andrew Lawrence, Arup’s timber specialist said, “Tulipwood CLT offers the potential to combine the advantages of CLT with the strength and appearance of tulipwood. It’s a great addition to the pallet of wood based materials.”
A project of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) as part of the 2013 London Design Festival, the landmark application has gotten the attention of the design, architectural, engineering and wood trade media around the world.
Learn more about Endless Stair at www.americanhardwood.org then download the free Endless Stair iPad App.
