RIBA chartered architects dRMM along with the Building Centre have collaborated on a public exhibition – ‘Forest of Fabrication – dRMM: pioneers of timber architecture’ – which presents engineered timber as a defining material of 21st century architecture. Opened in September of last year and set to run until April 11, 2020, the exhibition celebrates the existing capabilities and future potential of engineered timber, from concept to construction, across buildings from different scales and sectors.

Forest of Fabrication includes models of the flat packed Naked House (2006), Kingsdale School Auditorium (2007), Timber Stadium proposal (2009), Tre Toren, Rundeskogen (2012), Endless Stair (2013), Floatopolis proposal (2014), Sky Health and Fitness (2015), Maggie’s Oldham (2017) and the Stirling Prize winning Hastings Pier (2017). Many of the models exhibited have never been publicly displayed and will be shown alongside digital projections of concept sketches, project drawings, construction and final photographs.

According to dRMM, during its life cycle a tree makes oxygen, eats carbon, produces food, shade, habitat, color and character. Trees also control wind, water levels, soil erosion, pollution and temperature while endlessly renew themselves. Not only do trees make cities more possible and desirable when alive, they then provide future fuel, construction materials and compost for new trees after death. Trees and the timber products created from them are an exemplar of Cradle to Cradle design, an approach to design that considers whole life cycles as a means of designing with minimal impact on our planet.

dRMM, led by Professor Alex de Rijke, Philip Marsh, Sadie Morgan and Jonas Lencer, are pioneers in the use and development of engineered timber. They carry out extensive research into new approaches to building design by considering experimental structure, composition and placemaking; addressing both social and environmental sustainability through thoughtful interiors and an understanding of how people move through, use and experience spaces. dRMM believe outstanding architecture solves problems and transforms lives. A belief which is shared by many and which will be put to the test over the coming decade as our global community faces unprecedented challenges.

The exhibition narrative takes visitors on a journey through the existing capabilities and future potential of engineered timber, from concept to construction. At the heart of the exhibition is ‘Table Turned’, a unique meeting table made by Benchmark from laminated tulipwood, designed by Alex de Rijke with Barnby & Day for the American Hardwood Export Council’s ‘The Wish List’. Visitors are invited to take a seat, have a coffee and enjoy the show.

Professor Alex de Rijke, founding Director of dRMM said, “The history of architecture can be characterized by materials rather than styles. The 18th century was defined by brick, the 19th century by steel and the 20th by concrete. In 2004 I predicted that engineered timber would define the 21st century. dRMM have explored its endless potential ever since.”

A parallel event programme, jointly curated by RIBA North and dRMM, will bring together international designers, developers, makers and academics to explore emerging materials and markets, showcase the technologies enabling quicker off-site fabrication methods, analyze the commercial argument for cross-laminated timber and celebrate the craft and beauty of exposed timber in contemporary architecture.

Suzy Jones, Director of RIBA North, concludes: “Forest of Fabrication is a timely exhibition which draws our attention to the significance of the choices we make about how buildings are designed and built. In this exhibition we see how timber translates into something beautiful, groundbreaking and inspirational. I am genuinely delighted to host this exhibition at RIBA North. I can’t keep out of the galleries. It smells good too!”