Wood facades in contemporary architecture

This thesis examines timber facade systems in contemporary architecture, with a focus on their architectural character, technical behaviour, and environmental performance. The research draws on three main areas of investigation: a classification of timber facade system types, a comparative analysis of 15 case studies from different climatic and programmatic contexts, and an environmental assessment based on LCA, EPD, and GWP data. The classification groups the analysed projects into five facade types, from ventilated rain screen systems to integrated timber envelopes, each with its own architectural logic and technical requirements. The case study analysis identifies a number of recurring patterns in how architects use timber: the relationship between climate and facade enclosure, the role of element rhythm and texture in defining the appearance of the building, the choice between solid and permeable surfaces, and the preference for vertical or horizontal cladding depending on typology and context. The environmental analysis shows that timber facades tend to have lower embodied carbon than aluminium or ceramic alternatives, largely because of timber’s renewable origin and its capacity to store biogenic carbon. At the same time, the research makes clear that timber is not automatically a sustainable choice: its performance depends on how it is detailed, maintained, and sourced. The thesis ends with a series of practical recommendations for architects designing timber facades today.