Architecture studio Unknown Works has designed The Armadillo, a half-moon-shaped pavilion constructed from stepped timber arches, which is on show as part of the London Festival of Architecture.
Located at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London, the pavilion has a curved shape constructed from 42 prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels.
The panels are made from eucalyptus timber, which according to manufacturer Xilonor is highly durable and water-repellent and hasn't previously been used for external structures in the UK.
"We set out to sculpt new typologies from this material, crafting innovative CLT forms and pioneering demountable fixing systems," Unknown Works director Ben Hayes told Dezeen.
"We are also interested in testing novel structural and geometric forms that can be made from CLT," Hayes said.
"Working with the team, we decided on a series of interconnected modular arch structures that are fully demountable."
Unknown Works created The Armadillo – named for its shape – using stepped timber arches, which form an open pavilion for performances and help amplify sound.
"The structure's shape emerged through detailed acoustic modelling, with each panel rotated outward at a precise angle, naturally amplifying the performer's voice to the awaiting crowd," Hayes said.
"Our studio is interested in the relationship between sound and architecture, a theme we have woven through many of our projects," he added.
"This pavilion stands as a natural amplifier, embracing unamplified sound while also tempering feedback for amplified performances."
The Armadillo can be lit from within during performances, creating a dramatic effect that emphasises the shape of the pavilion and can be tailored for different events.
"The lighting is multi-channeled and fully programmable for artists to augment," Hayes said.
"It performs alongside the architecture, highlighting the building's geometry and creating a customised backdrop for each performer," he added.
"Modular and demountable, it ensures ease of transportation, ready to illuminate wherever it journeys. "
Once the London Festival of Architecture is over, the pavilion will be moved to the Houghton Estate to be part of the Houghton Music & Arts Festival in Norfolk.
"The Armadillo, the first of its kind, stands as a living experiment at Houghton Arts & Music festival, where it will be observed over the years to come," Hayes concluded.
The Armadillo was a collaboration between Unknown Works, Xilonor, ConstruktCLT and Houghton Music & Arts Festival with support from Studio Allen, Rothoblaas, ARUP, Charcoalblue, Klimstar and Rubio Monocoat.
Other recent CLT designs include a dome theatre inside a Swedish museum and a mobile home in Barcelona.
The photography is by Henry Woide.
London Festival of Architecture 2024 takes place from 1 to 30 June 2024 at various locations across London. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.