Since ancient times and in different cultures, the use of wooden lattices in architecture has been used as a frequent design element.
Creating lattices in a wide variety of materials, this was a long process of carving in wood that we are still aware of today. However, with the advancement of engineering and new practices, new construction methods have been developed and times have shortened.
Today we will focus on wooden lattices, which have been a constant in architecture for various purposes. From pure ventilation and protection from the sun to give the building’s identity stamp. Playing with wood allows us to let our imagination fly and create frameworks that adapt to our design. It is important to take into account an installation study as well as the respective construction details, taking into account the fittings for the type of wood chosen.
Types of lattices
The types of latticework can be pivoting, folding, and sliding, leaving the creativity of architects and engineers to use the appropriate materials and fittings for each use. In this case, the chosen material was bamboo and we can see the curve that welcomes this element, forming an organic veil.
In this example, the use of slats mounted on an aluminum frame could be fixed or mobile, being a classic version of the lattices applied in residential buildings. This type of configuration allows the user to personalize the space, modulating the entry of natural light through the manipulation of the wooden lattices.
The composition of the different constructive resources results in projects as interesting as this one: The Abacus House. Built with teak wood screwed to metal rods, the turn of the wooden pieces allows a dynamic facade that as a whole creates a changing art with the help of the sun.
Paseo de Mallorca 15 – OHLAB
The Paseo de Mallorca 15 project of the Mallorcan studio with which we have been collaborating, obtains the Passivhaus certification thanks to several aspects, one of them being the building’s enveloping slats, with which an intelligent construction is achieved. The sliding lattices are made of 42 × 42, 68 × 42, and 90x42mm sections of pine exterior wood slats mounted on a frame thinking for the marine environment.
During the research work, aspects such as the wood joints with other materials cannot be ignored, as they could end in permanent damage to the wood due to combining with elements of nature.
It is also necessary to protect from factors such as water. We will protect from the water outlets that would be in the facade if this were its application or we would see the way of some design with an inclination in the heads to reduce the contact time. It goes without saying that an installation thinking about the expansion of the wood or its absence is another way to prevent bad times.
Wooden lattices. Parallel – OHLAB
Another project we are proud of is Parallel. That’s the building in which fixed and motorized folding horizontal wooden lattices are adapted to the light and ventilation needs required. The skin of the building inspired by Mediterranean pergolas recreates the play of sunlight on the façade.
The hybrid function that wood fulfills, adorning with its colors and textures while protecting from solar radiation. It motivates us to explore the options of urban wooden boxes with the potential to reconfigure its front as desired. In this example of mobile folding lattices we can see the dynamism that is created in the facade completely covered with vertically arranged boards. A vibrant facade that earns its identity thanks to the envelope.
As you can see, the use of mobile lattices involves a preliminary study, as well as planning that our technical group can help solve. Please contact us here for any inquiry.
