Public Exhibition
Elevation
Modular Glulam and CLT Structural System Fabricated in Indonesia and Installed in Venice
Architect
Studio Andra Matin
year
2018
location
Venice, Italy, International
size
81 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
Elevation was Indonesia’s official pavilion at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale. The structure was fabricated in Indonesia and installed in Venice under fixed international shipping and exhibition deadlines.
This project tested Woodlam’s ability to deliver a prefabricated engineered timber system across continents without dimensional correction on site.
Objective
The objective was to validate export-ready structural timber systems by proving:
• Modular Glulam and CLT prefabrication for overseas shipment
• Dimensional control across long-distance logistics
• Mechanical connection logic for rapid international assembly
• Integration of engineered timber with woven rattan façade systems
• Installation sequencing under fixed biennale time constraints
This project established Woodlam’s first international structural deployment benchmark.
The Constraints
International Fabrication and Logistics
All structural timber components were fabricated in Indonesia and shipped to Venice.
Dimensional errors could not be corrected easily abroad. Fabrication accuracy had to anticipate:
• International packaging constraints
• Shipping tolerances
• Limited on-site rework capacity
• Strict Biennale installation windows
This required export-grade precision.
Multi-Material Coordination
The pavilion combined:
• Engineered timber structural elements
• Handwoven rattan cladding
• Steel mechanical connectors
Rattan behaves organically. Engineered timber behaves predictably.
Detailing had to allow for natural material variation without compromising structural alignment or visual rhythm.
Limited Installation Window
Biennale installations operate within fixed assembly schedules.
The structural system had to be:
• Predictable
• Fast to assemble
• Mechanically precise
• Designed for minimal on-site adjustment
There was no margin for trial-and-error assembly.
The Engineering
Modular Structural Timber Frame
The pavilion utilized:
• Jabon Glulam beams and columns
• CLT panels for wall and floor structure
• Mechanical steel connections for modular assembly
The structural system balanced:
• Strength-to-weight efficiency
• Transportability
• Disassembly capability
• Clean installation logic
Prefabrication Strategy
All timber elements were pre-fabricated before shipment.
Components were dimensioned for container transport and pre-drilled for mechanical fixing.
On-site cutting was eliminated.
Assembly relied entirely on pre-calculated connection sequencing.
The structure was designed for disassembly and reassembly, reinforcing modular logic.
International Coordination Layer
Interface detailing between engineered timber and woven rattan required precise tolerance management.
Connection points were calculated to accommodate slight material irregularities without creating structural misalignment.
This required structural discipline combined with craft sensitivity.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
International Structural Delivery Confirmed
Elevation demonstrated that engineered timber systems fabricated in Indonesia can be delivered and assembled internationally under exhibition-level scrutiny.
Modular Timber Workflow Strengthened
The project reinforced Woodlam’s prefabrication logic, transport planning, and mechanical assembly methodology.
Prefabrication became integrated into structural design rather than treated as an afterthought.
Cross-Disciplinary Execution Validated
The pavilion required coordination between architecture, engineering, fabrication, shipping logistics, and traditional craft.
The project strengthened Woodlam’s capability to operate across design and execution disciplines simultaneously.
Global Recognition
The jury described Elevation as:
“A sensitive installation that provides a framework to reflect on the material and form of traditional vernacular structures.”
Media coverage included:
• The Jakarta Post
• Elle Indonesia
• Whiteboard Journal
• Tirto
• Official Venice Biennale documentation
This expanded Woodlam’s visibility beyond Indonesia.
Location
Venice, Italy, International
Arsenale Corderie Campo della Tana 2169/F Sestiere Castello Veneto, 30122 ITALY
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
What structural system was used for Elevation?
The pavilion utilized Jabon Glulam beams and columns combined with CLT structural panels. Mechanical steel connections enabled modular assembly and international transport.
Why was Jabon selected?
Jabon offers lightweight properties suitable for transport-sensitive structures. When laminated into Glulam, it achieves greater dimensional consistency and structural reliability while maintaining workability.
Was the pavilion prefabricated?
Yes. All timber components were fabricated in Indonesia, containerized, and assembled in Venice using pre-engineered mechanical connections.
Why was this project strategically important?
It marked Woodlam’s first international structural delivery and validated its capability to fabricate engineered timber systems in Indonesia for deployment abroad under strict logistical constraints.