Public Installation
Graveyard
Long-Span Glulam Structural System with Tropical Durability Detailing
Architect
Inhouse R&D
year
2018
location
Karawang, Indonesia
size
63 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
The Graveyard Canopy at San Diego Hills was not a conventional public shelter. It was Woodlam’s first live structural laboratory, validating 9-meter Glulam beams, Eurocode 5 timber calculations, and durability detailing under tropical ground conditions.
This project marked the transition from timber fabrication to engineered structural timber systems built on formal design standards.
Objective
The objective was to validate structural and durability performance under real field conditions by testing:
• 9-meter Glulam beam fabrication using the Minda hydraulic press
• Eurocode 5 structural design methodology
• Long-span bending performance beyond solid timber limits
• Termite mitigation strategies in high-risk ground-adjacent environments
• Prefabrication accuracy for outdoor timber structures
The canopy functioned as a full-scale structural experiment under tropical exposure.
The Constraints
Long-Span Structural Testing
Conventional solid timber is typically limited to spans of approximately 4 meters. This project extended engineered Glulam beams to approximately 9 meters, more than double common solid timber length.
The newly installed Minda press enabled beam production up to 15 meters. This canopy became the first field validation at 9 meters.
Termite and Ground-Adjacent Exposure
The structure was located in a cemetery environment with sustained soil moisture and high termite activity.
Direct timber-to-ground contact would significantly accelerate biological degradation. Structural detailing had to physically separate timber from soil while maintaining load stability.
Full Tropical Exposure
The canopy remains exposed to rain, humidity, and solar heat typical of West Java’s tropical climate.
Durability detailing was treated as equal priority to structural capacity.
The Engineering
Eurocode 5 Structural Framework
This was Woodlam’s first project designed under Eurocode 5 structural timber principles.
Load paths, bending moments, and connection forces were evaluated using standardized European structural calculation methodology.
This introduced a formalized engineering framework into Woodlam’s structural design process, moving beyond empirical fabrication methods.
9-Meter Pine Glulam Beams
Pine Glulam beams were hydraulically pressed to approximately 9 meters in length.
Beam lamination improved load consistency and reduced natural defect variability compared to solid timber.
The long-span capability reduced intermediate supports, simplifying canopy geometry and demonstrating structural efficiency.
Elevated Structural Base Strategy
All primary Glulam elements were raised approximately 50–60 cm above ground level using steel base plates anchored to concrete footings.
This physical separation:
• Reduces termite access
• Prevents capillary moisture absorption
• Improves long-term durability
Durability was achieved through detailing strategy rather than reliance on chemical treatment alone.
Layered Termite Mitigation
The project incorporated:
• Raised structural detailing
• Soil treatment around foundations
• Physical separation between timber and earth
This created a layered protection system appropriate for tropical environments.
Prefabrication Control
Structural elements were pre-fabricated and assembled on site using mechanical connections.
On-site cutting was minimized to preserve beam integrity and maintain dimensional accuracy.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Long-Span Glulam Capability Confirmed
The project demonstrated that locally pressed Glulam beams can safely achieve spans beyond conventional solid timber limits in Indonesia.
Formal Structural Engineering Adopted
Eurocode 5 implementation established a standardized structural calculation methodology for Woodlam’s engineered timber systems.
This marked the beginning of disciplined structural design processes within the company.
Tropical Durability Detailing Validated
Raising timber 50–60 cm above ground proved critical in reducing termite exposure and moisture-related risk.
The project reinforced a key principle: structural timber in tropical climates must prioritize physical separation from soil and water accumulation.
Manufacturing Capability Expanded
Successful use of the Minda press for 9-meter beams validated Woodlam’s ability to produce long-span engineered timber elements for future structural and architectural applications.
This project laid the technical foundation for subsequent Glulam developments.
Location
Karawang, Indonesia
Jl. Chapel Avenue Margakaya, Telukjambe Barat Karawang, 41315 INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
Why was this project important for Woodlam’s structural development?
It was Woodlam’s first project designed under Eurocode 5 structural timber principles and the first field application of 9 m glulam beams pressed using Woodlam’s hydraulic press system. The project formalized Woodlam’s transition from empirical fabrication to calculation-based engineered structural timber.
Why were the Glulam beams raised 50–60 cm above the ground?
Elevating the beams reduces termite access and prevents moisture absorption from soil contact. Physical separation is one of the most effective long-term durability strategies in tropical environments.
What is the advantage of Glulam over solid timber for long spans?
Glulam is made by laminating multiple timber layers under pressure. This improves structural consistency, reduces natural defects, and allows production of longer, stronger beams than solid timber.
Is long-span Glulam suitable for outdoor applications in Indonesia?
Yes, when designed with proper structural calculations, elevated detailing, and termite mitigation strategies. This project served as an early proof of that capability.