Private Residence
Bangalore
Digitally Modelled Meranti Glulam Structural System Fabricated in Indonesia and Installed in India
Architect
Cube Architects
year
2020
location
Bangalore, India, International
size
650 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
Bangalore Residence required full structural prefabrication in Indonesia without physical site verification prior to shipment.
All Glulam components were fabricated based solely on architect-issued drawings and digital modeling.
There was no tolerance for on-site correction.
Objective
The objective was to validate remote structural fabrication by proving:
• Digital-to-factory translation accuracy
• Glulam beam and column dimensional precision
• Mechanical connection predictability
• Zero-cut installation upon arrival
• International logistics coordination for structural systems
This project tested whether distance compromises precision. It did not.
The Constraints
No On-Site Measurement
Woodlam did not conduct site measurement prior to fabrication.
All geometry resolution relied on:
• Digital modelling
• Architect-issued drawings
• Connection detailing within the model
There was no opportunity for corrective adjustment during production.
International Transport Stability
Structural members had to maintain dimensional accuracy during overseas shipment.
Transport variables included:
• Humidity variation
• Temperature changes
• Handling stress
• Storage duration
Moisture control and packaging were critical.
Zero-Adjustment Policy
On-site trimming or modification would:
• Delay installation
• Compromise structural clarity
• Increase risk of misalignment
All members had to fit as fabricated.
Tolerance control determined success.
Residential Structural Compliance
The glulam frame had to meet residential structural load requirements while supporting architectural spans and opening geometries defined by the architect.
The Engineering
Digital Modeling Workflow
All structural members were fully resolved in digital form before fabrication. The model included drilling coordinates, plate geometry, and interface tolerances.
Fabrication followed the model exactly. Digital precision replaced field verification.
Precision Fabrication and Pre-Drilled Interfaces
Meranti glulam beams and columns were machined to controlled tolerances to ensure accurate load transfer positioning. Connection points were pre-drilled at the factory so on-site installation required positioning and fastening only.
Moisture Control for Overseas Transport
Components were conditioned and packaged to reduce dimensional change during shipment from Indonesia to India. Moisture balance protected tolerance integrity on arrival.
Sequenced Assembly Logic
Erection order was planned in advance to maintain stability during staged installation. No recalibration, trimming, or corrective remeasurement was required.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Cross-Border Structural Fit Achieved
The structure assembled in Bangalore without trimming, correction, or dimensional rework.
Alignment accuracy was maintained from factory floor to final installation.
Digital Prefabrication Validated
The project confirmed that detailed modelling can replace physical site measurement when fabrication discipline is high.
Precision modelling becomes the structural guarantee.
Export-Grade Timber Stability Confirmed
Meranti glulam maintained dimensional integrity during international logistics.
Moisture conditioning and packaging strategy proved effective.
Overseas Risk Reduced
Prefabrication reduced on-site uncertainty in a foreign build context.
Structural reliability was achieved without requiring extensive field supervision.
Location
Bangalore, India, International
INDIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
How was structural alignment achieved without site measurement?
All members were digitally modelled and fabricated using controlled machining tolerances. Connection geometry and drilling coordinates were resolved before production, eliminating guesswork during installation.
Why was Meranti glulam selected?
Meranti provides predictable machining behaviour, structural reliability, and dimensional stability. These qualities are critical when prefabrication must achieve accurate fit without field correction.
Did prefabrication improve installation speed?
Yes. Beams arrived pre-cut and pre-drilled. Installation required only alignment and fastening, reducing risk and site uncertainty.
What did this project prove for Woodlam?
It demonstrated that engineered timber structures can be fabricated in Indonesia and assembled internationally with millimetre-level accuracy when digital modelling, machining precision, and logistics control are integrated.