Vert

Project Info

Vert is an experimental timber structure designed to enhance biodiversity in urban public spaces, while showcasing the potential for American red oak glulam.

Constructed as a temporary structure for the duration of the London Design Festival in 2024, Vert features a series of timber triangles that support biodegradable nets, providing a framework for fast-growing climbing plants. These plant-covered ‘sails’ remove carbon dioxide from the air while providing sheltered seating areas for the public to enjoy.

Its triangular design ensures both robustness and modularity, making the structure adaptable for various urban environments. Designed for flexibility and continued use, the structure can be dismantled and reinstalled another three times using the same fittings and engineering components.

By using red oak – which is the most abundant hardwood species in North American forests – Vert pushes the boundaries of glulam manufacturing and offers a new use for this species. Its strength and density allow for smaller cross-section beams, minimising material usage while maintaining high strength values. Initial performance testing at Bern University (and in n’H International AG’s own laboratory) has demonstrated that red oak surpasses European oak values for tensile finger joint testing and lamination shear strength.

Vert also uses thermally modified American red oak to provide a durable solution for decking applications.

Additional credits

Architectural Consultancy: Forward Architecture

Project Installation & Groundworks: Stage One