The world’s first 3D dome built out of “extreme mass timber” has been raised in Cape Town, South Africa with it’s new superstructure combines 20 massive beams (all made from marine ply) connected to a timber ring anchored into place with steel brackets.
Known as the “Green Point Education Dome,” the project comes after seven years of planning by the City of Cape Town and more than three years after it broke ground (in late 2020).
One of just 12 dome structures built out of timber worldwide, the Green Point Dome is the first “that it has 15 x 3-dimensional circles of different sizes attached to the (20) beams,” said MEWA, one of South Africa’s top timber fabricators: “These form the footing for 3-dimensional quadrangular panels built from marine ply,” connecting to a curved moulded glass dome measuring 2 metres wide, 16 millimetres thick and weighing more than 155 kilograms.
It is the first roof to use curved steel plates to form a perfect three-dimensional roof, using geometry that has not been used for more than 60 years…
Dubbed “3D ply,” a first for South Africa, the timbers were manufactured at the MEWA factory before being assembled in Green Point Stadium Park. The beams slotted into the upper ring thanks to massive dovetail joints, and the timber ring pieced together like a giant doughnut, using 20 angled segments cross-laminated many times for added strength.
According to Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews, the dome marks a crucial juncture for the city – the first in Africa to be recognised as a UNESCO City of Design – which is looking to build more buildings out of greener materials (like timber).
“Mass timber is the newest and greenest system of carbon-conscious construction in the world today, and the come has been one of the catalysts for accelerating this construction in South Africa,” Alderman Andrews said.
It is the first three-dimensional mass timber dome ever to be built. There are 12 mass timber domes worldwide, all of which are two-dimensional, comprising 12 or more segments of two dimensions and relying on the human brain to make them look dome-shaped.
Eddie Andrews, Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor
Wood Central understands that the timber of choice is locally sourced South African poplar, which is chosen due to its hard-wearing properties. The poplar was sourced from the Karoo, cut to size and air-dried. In addition, the design, inspired by the traditional dwellings of the Khoi, one of South Africa’s First Nation groups, was a visionary idea that required a unique architectural approach.
According to James Vos, a Mayco member for economic growth, the dome will now be placed in one of Cape Town’s most beloved spaces, a park attracting more than 1 million visitors annually. “This fantastic three-dimensional mass timber dome is an incredible addition that celebrates Khoi heritage and will complement the interactive, fun, and beautiful elements that park visitors enjoy.”
- To learn how mass timber (and bamboo) is spurring development in the Global South, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.
