The Armadillo

Project Info

This innovative timber sound pavilion, built from eucalyptus and pine CLT, represents a pioneering project in sustainable architecture, acoustic design and advanced timber construction.

Developed for Houghton Music Festival, the Armadillo, named because of its ellipsoidal form, is globally the first permanent outdoor CLT structure to employ the hybrid combination of timber species. The curved pavilion is constructed from stepped arches, composed of 42 prefabricated CLT panels. The flat panels interlock to create a series of self-supporting modular arch structures that are fully demountable and require minimal temporary works.

The distinctive sculptural form optimises natural acoustic amplification with individually angled CLT panels oriented to project sound outward. The resulting immersive sound environment enhances audience experience while minimising sound leakage to adjacent performance areas.

Unknown Works, ConstruktCLT and Xilonor developed a newly engineered hybrid combination of eucalyptus and pine CLT – uniquely manufactured for the project – specifically designed and engineered to be relocatable. The Armadillo advances renewable material applications to create a low-carbon, sustainable model for festival and pavilion architecture.