Public Installation
AyuAyun
Meranti Glulam Structural System Engineered for Controlled Dynamic Movement
Architect
Studio Andra Matin
year
2019
location
South Jakarta, Indonesia
size
12 m²
The Brief
Developed with Studio Andra Matin for Bintaro Design District 2019, AyuAyun was a compact public installation engineered to study how meranti glulam performs under dynamic movement similar to seismic forces.
Rather than resisting movement through rigidity, the structure was designed to flex within calculated limits while supporting a suspended swing system.
This project functioned as a real-world structural experiment in a public environment.
The Constraints
Public Safety Under Dynamic Load
The installation operated in an open public park. Structural reliability under repeated oscillation was mandatory.
The primary beam had to:
• Support suspended dynamic loads
• Allow measurable deflection
• Prevent brittle failure
• Maintain lateral stability
All movement had to remain within calculated tolerances.
Dynamic Load Behaviour
Unlike static loads, the swing introduced cyclic forces and directional shifts.
Load paths had to account for:
• Vertical gravity forces
• Lateral movement
• Repeated stress cycles
• Stress reversal during oscillation
Dynamic forces amplify connection weaknesses. Detailing precision was critical.
Conservative Safety Factors
Because the structure was publicly accessible, safety margins were designed conservatively.
Connection detailing and load calculations were based on worst-case oscillation scenarios.
The Engineering
Meranti Glulam Selection
Meranti was selected for balanced density and predictable flexural behavior when laminated. Glulam construction reduces internal defects and improves grain control, supporting repeatable performance under movement.
Dynamic Load Structural Logic
The primary beam was engineered to support suspended loads while allowing controlled deflection. The intent was not rigidity. It was measured flexibility within safe limits.
Engineered timber provides elastic deformation before failure, which is critical under cyclical loading.
Connection Detailing for Stress Cycles
Steel plates and bolted joints were designed to reduce stress concentration, prevent splitting, and maintain clamping force under repeated oscillation. Connection behavior governed reliability more than beam size alone.
Seismic Relevance
This installation validated a key timber advantage in seismic zones. Lower structural mass reduces inertial forces, and controlled flexibility dissipates energy through movement rather than brittle resistance.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Controlled Flexibility Validated
The glulam beam demonstrated measurable deflection under load while maintaining structural integrity.
No cracking, joint loosening, or stress failure occurred under repeated use.
Dynamic Load Understanding Strengthened
The project highlighted how dynamic forces differ from static design assumptions.
It reinforced the importance of load path clarity and connection detailing in real-world conditions.
Ductility as Structural Advantage
AyuAyun demonstrated that structural safety does not rely on rigidity.
Energy dissipation through elastic movement is a viable strategy for timber structures in seismic regions.
Small Scale, High Learning Value
Although only 12 m², the installation functioned as a structural laboratory.
Lessons informed:
• Later structural detailing
• Seismic design thinking
• Connection refinement
• Dynamic load evaluation methodology
Location
South Jakarta, Indonesia
Bintaro INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
Why use glulam instead of solid timber?
Glulam laminates multiple timber layers, improving structural consistency and reducing natural defects. This increases bending strength and allows predictable elastic performance under dynamic loads.
How does timber behave during earthquakes?
Timber has lower mass than concrete or steel, reducing seismic force. Engineered timber can flex within elastic limits, dissipating energy rather than cracking under tension.
Was the movement intentional?
Dynamic loads amplify connector weakness. The beam was engineered to allow calculated elastic deflection within safe structural limits. Connection detailing and safety factors were treated as primary design inputs to manage repeated motion and stress cycles.
Why was this project strategically important?
It validated connection detailing and dynamic load performance in a public setting. It reinforced Woodlam’s understanding of seismic behaviour in engineered timber systems.