Hospitality Event Hall
Loka Meru Ballroom
High-Altitude 12-Metre Jabon Glulam Structural System Engineered for Manual Installation in Extreme Conditions
Architect
Studio Andra Matin
year
2022
location
Magelang, Indonesia
size
730 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
Loka Meru Ballroom is a 730 m² hospitality event hall located approximately 1,500 meters above sea level in Magelang. The original 6-meter steel concept was replaced with a 12-meter Jabon Glulam structural system without increasing cost.
The site imposed extreme constraints: persistent rainfall, high altitude conditions, and no access to cranes or heavy machinery.
Objective
The objective was to validate long-span tropical Glulam under severe site constraints by delivering:
• A 12-meter clear span without steel substitution
• Structural members calibrated for manual installation
• Weather-resilient detailing under high rainfall exposure
• Completion within a three-week installation window
This project tested structural logic under environmental and logistical pressure.
The Constraints
Remote High-Altitude Access
Limited road access restricted crane use. Members were dimensioned for manual handling.
Persistent Rainfall During Installation
Sequencing and protection strategies were required to prevent moisture exposure during assembly.
Manual Installation Discipline
Structural sizing balanced span efficiency with human lift capacity.
Span Expansion Without Cost Increase
The solution doubled the original span from 6 to 12 metres while maintaining budget alignment.
The Engineering
12-Meter Jabon Glulam System
Jabon was laminated into 12-meter glulam beams to achieve long spans with lower structural weight than steel. Lamination improves load consistency and reduces natural defect variability.
Lightweight Structural Strategy
Reduced structural mass allowed manual handling and installation at high altitude without cranes. Weight reduction improved safety and sequencing control.
Mechanical Connection Discipline
Connections were engineered for predictable field assembly. Pre-aligned interfaces reduced improvisation despite environmental constraints.
Tropical Durability Detailing
Elevated interfaces, protective sequencing, and moisture-aware handling reduced exposure risk during heavy rainfall installation.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
12-Metre Clear Span Achieved
The ballroom successfully doubled the initial structural span without cost increase, reinforcing glulam’s efficiency in long-span hospitality structures.
Three-Week Completion Confirmed
Despite heavy rain and manual assembly conditions, the 730 m² structure was completed within three weeks.
Manual Install Feasibility Validated
The project demonstrated that engineered timber enables large-scale structures even where machinery cannot operate.
Material and Human Discipline Aligned
Loka Meru reinforced a key principle: timber performance depends not only on engineering calculations, but also on sequencing control and craft coordination.
Location
Magelang, Indonesia
Jl. Raya Salatiga Ngablak, Magelang Jawa Tengah, 56194 INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
Why was steel replaced with glulam in this project?
Glulam provided longer clear spans with lower structural weight, enabling manual installation at high altitude. It also allowed the project to double the span from 6 metres to 12 metres without increasing cost.
How can a 12-metre span be installed without heavy machinery?
By optimising member dimensions for weight efficiency and designing connection logic for predictable manual alignment. Engineered timber reduces mass compared to steel, making coordinated hand assembly feasible.
How was installation managed under heavy rainfall?
Through controlled sequencing, protective detailing, and disciplined coordination. Structural stability was prioritised during each phase to prevent moisture-related misalignment or connection compromise.
Why is this project strategically important for Woodlam?
It validated Woodlam’s ability to deliver long-span structural timber under extreme site and weather constraints. The project proved that engineered glulam is not limited by location, machinery access, or climate when design and execution are integrated.