Public Exhibition
Pavillion
Prefabricated Glulam and LVL Structural System Assembled in 48 Hours
Architect
Studio Andra Matin
year
2020
location
Indonesia, North Jakarta
size
225 m²
The Brief
Designed by Studio Andra Matin for Arch:ID 2020 at ICE BSD, this pavilion was conceived as a fully structural timber installation assembled within a fixed 48-hour window.
The objective was clear: design, fabricate, transport, and erect a 225 m² glulam and LVL structure with zero schedule flexibility.
All components were pre-engineered for modular installation, minimal site adjustment, and rapid disassembly.
This project validated Woodlam’s prefabrication sequencing and connector discipline under real deadline pressure.
The Constraints
Fixed 48-Hour Installation Window
Assembly time was non-negotiable.
Any tolerance error, misalignment, or connector mismatch would delay completion.
There was no margin for on-site improvisation.
Exhibition Environment Requirements
Construction occurred inside ICE BSD.
The build required:
• Clean installation
• Controlled noise levels
• No wet trades
• No curing delays
• Minimal disruption to adjacent exhibitors
Speed had to coexist with operational discipline.
Modular Grid Coordination
Roof grids, beam spans, and connector locations had to align precisely.
Even small dimensional inconsistencies would compound across the waffle roof assembly.
Tolerance discipline determined installation speed.
Temporary Yet Structurally Compliant
Although temporary, the pavilion was designed for public occupancy.
Structural calculations governed:
• Beam sizing
• Load paths
• Connection detailing
• Stability under crowd loading
Temporary status did not reduce structural responsibility.
The Engineering
Glulam Structural Frame
Meranti glulam beams and columns formed the primary load-bearing structure. Members were dimensioned for strength-to-weight efficiency and rapid mechanical assembly within a fixed 48-hour window.
LVL Waffle Roof System
The roof used a prefabricated LVL waffle grid with interlocking components. LVL reduced natural timber variability and provided dimensional consistency across repetitive modules.
This reduced alignment time and simplified installation sequencing.
Quick-Release Connector Strategy
Mechanical steel connectors were pre-engineered and pre-aligned. The system eliminated wet trades and curing delays, supported clean installation, and enabled full disassembly after the event.
Integrated Logistics Workflow
Fabrication, transport, and installation were treated as one coordinated system. Sequencing was planned to prevent stacking conflicts, reduce rework, and maintain continuous workflow.
Speed came from system design, not urgency.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
48-Hour Completion Achieved
The full 225 m² pavilion was assembled within the fixed installation window.
No structural compromise occurred.
Prefabrication Workflow Validated
The project confirmed that precision machining and connector pre-alignment significantly reduce site error.
Modular repetition increased installation efficiency.
Temporary Does Not Mean Informal
Even short-term structures require full structural calculation and disciplined detailing.
This project reinforced Woodlam’s commitment to structural clarity regardless of project duration.
Connector Engineering Strengthened
The pavilion refined Woodlam’s understanding of:
• Rapid mechanical assembly
• Modular grid tolerance stacking
• Disassembly sequencing
These lessons informed later modular builds.
Location
Indonesia, North Jakarta
Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) Jl. BSD Grand Boulevard No.1 BSD City, Pagedangan Banten, 15339 INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
How was a 225 m² pavilion built in 48 hours?
All structural components were pre-fabricated off-site. Precision-machined joints, pre-aligned connector locations, and modular LVL waffle roof panels minimized on-site decision-making and reduced installation time.
What role did LVL play in the roof system?
LVL provided dimensional stability and structural consistency. The waffle roof panels were pre-cut, numbered, and engineered to interlock, allowing rapid installation without on-site recalibration.
Was the pavilion structurally engineered despite being temporary?
Yes. Structural calculations governed beam sizing, load paths, and connection detailing to ensure compliance with public occupancy requirements.
Why is this project strategically important?
It validated Woodlam’s ability to integrate fabrication, logistics, and assembly into a single coordinated workflow capable of meeting aggressive deadlines without compromising structural discipline.