Bridge Design with Invasive Eucalyptus Trees

British designer Paul Cocksedge has announced his first ever project in south africa. Called Exploded View, the project consists of a permanent timber bridge across the Liesbeek river in Cape Town, within the public open space of the upper liesbeek river garden. This is Cocksedge’s second project exploring the use of wood and its environmental benefits following on from his "please be seated" installation at London Design Festival 2019.

The exploded view bridged by Paul Cocksedge will be constructed from invasive eucalyptus tree wood, transforming its negative effects by using it as a building material. The species, which originates from Australia, was brought to South Africa in the 1800s and as it’s not native, it has in fact, negatively impacted the water table.

Cocksedge will work with XLAM South Africa to transform the eucalyptus tree into cross laminated timber (CLT) which is a structural, prefabricated timber panel. The resulting material is a more sustainable alternative to concrete, masonry, and steel as it requires less water and less energy to manufacture. The timber is glued in longitudinal and transverse layers, creating a strong and stable structural material.

Source: designboom