The rise of industrialization and urban development has led to the construction of numerous high-rise buildings. However, these structures have significant environmental impacts. Traditional buildings primarily use concrete as the main structural material, which contributes to increased carbon dioxide emissions, air pollution, and higher energy and water consumption. These challenges urge architects to move beyond conventional industrial practices and explore sustainable alternatives, such as incorporating wood into structural design. Cross laminated timber (CLT) has emerged as a promising solution. In Chile, architects have begun integrating this material into their projects while adapting to local regulations and conditions.
Addressing the challenges and opportunities of timber construction in the region, the Tamango project by Tallwood Architects stands out. It aims to become Latin America’s first twelve-story building using engineered timber structure. Tamango redefines traditional architectural models by embracing an integrated design approach throughout all construction phases, marking a significant step toward sustainable development.
Why choose CLT (cross laminated timber) for high-rise construction?
High-rise buildings made from CLT are already being built worldwide, signaling a growing trend toward wood as a primary structural material. Wood is a renewable resource that supports sustainable, clean energy. Combined with advanced technology, wood offers eco-friendly solutions across its entire lifecycle—from manufacturing and assembly to application.
During production, each kilogram of wood absorbs approximately 1.8 kilograms of carbon dioxide. The assembly process involves dry construction methods, which minimize waste and do not require constant supervision. Wood also naturally provides excellent insulation and moisture regulation, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
In Goyaesque, Chile, the common practice of burning damp wood for indoor heating contributes significantly to air pollution, making it one of Latin America’s most polluted cities. The Tamango project seeks to address this issue with two main objectives: promoting sustainable development and creating an efficient construction system that accounts for local material and labor challenges.
Construction System: Tamango’s Material Strategy
Tamango challenges conventional design processes by assembling a multidisciplinary team, including structural engineers, fire safety experts, energy efficiency consultants, and acousticians. This team conducted comprehensive analyses from the project’s inception. Additionally, collaborations with energy specialists from Chile, Finland, and Canada focused on researching the thermal performance of the building envelope, aiming to create a sustainable high-rise that helps mitigate regional pollution.
The project utilizes large timber elements—known as “compression layers capable of forming structural load-bearing components”—which employ cutting-edge technology to connect timber layers. This approach allows the creation of adjustable slabs, columns, and beams that form high-strength yet lightweight systems comparable to concrete and steel. Tamango’s structure combines prefabricated wood materials like CLT, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and laminated wood with quality-assured sawn timber of varying structural scales.
According to the Engineering Wood Association, CLT panels are made of multiple layers of pressed boards—typically three, five, seven, or nine layers—composed of kiln-dried wood boards stacked perpendicular to each other and bonded with structural adhesives. This crosswise bonding creates stiffness in both directions. To ensure precision, the Tamango team employed advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, detailing each panel and its components for efficient on-site assembly, much like fitting together a puzzle.
As Tallwood Architects’ Juan Jos é Ugart G. and Gerardo Armanet explain, this approach integrates design and construction phases through pre-measurement and pre-assembly of fittings—essentially, the project was “built before it was built.”
In addition to CLT panels, the project uses laminated veneer lumber (LVL), a material created by bonding dry, graded wood veneers under heat and pressure. LVL is commonly used for beams, trusses, boards, and purlins, complementing the overall timber structure.
Environmental Benefits of the Final Result
Despite obstacles such as Chile’s limited regulations for wooden high-rises exceeding five floors, the Tamango project successfully employed 1,870 cubic meters of timber, capturing 1,230 tons of carbon dioxide—far outweighing emissions from manufacturing and transportation. The design also incorporates energy efficiency strategies, including electric pumps and insulation for heating, resulting in monthly energy savings of 60% and cost reductions of 75% compared to similar residential projects.
Furthermore, at the end of the building’s lifecycle, its structural components can be easily dismantled and reused, fostering a circular economy in construction.
As a pioneering project in the region, Tamango has set a precedent for future architectural developments in Latin America. It demonstrates that timber structural systems can overcome height limitations, showcasing Chile’s progress and opening new opportunities for sustainable urban development.
Project Drawings
△ First floor plan
△ Fourth floor plan
△ Tenth floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Analysis chart
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