The use of timber structures in the design and construction of sports facilities has increased significantly in recent years. There are several factors that have contributed to the preference for wood in architecture and construction, as a material to support this type of structure:
With wood it is possible to realise designs with large spans, from 10 metres to 50 metres in length. At the same time, this potential allows the construction of semi-open facilities, which are in great demand in sports facilities. In addition, wood is a material that behaves very well in outdoor conditions. Another advantage is that it is an environmentally friendly building material. Its use therefore means that it reduces the carbon footprint compared to other materials. Wood blends in beautifully with the landscape and has high aesthetic qualities, as it is often used in exposed structures where it shines on its own. Finally, timber integrates perfectly into construction for both urban and rural environments and is in any case ideal for green spaces. Moreover, from an economic point of view, the construction of this type of structures with wood makes them very competitive with those made with other materials such as steel or concrete.
By Alberto López García, Senior Structural Engineer in the Architecture Department of Amusement Logic
