How to install curved timber on façades and exterior soffit

University of Texas Moody Center Arena, Gensler

Curved timber installation methods for outdoor spaces: faceted, pre-curved, and in situ panels. Real-life case: Moody Center by Gensler.

Timber in contemporary construction is a material that merges tradition with modern technology, facilitating architectural solutions once considered impossible. With advances in engineering and manufacturing, it is now feasible to install timber in exterior applications with high technical performance, whether on ventilated façades or soffits exposed to the elements. The inherent flexibility of timber allows the creation of curved surfaces that conform to different geometries and radii of curvature. Various techniques are available to curve natural timber panels, each offering specific advantages depending on the scope and demands of the project.

Facet Curving

Facet curving involves using flat boards to create a faceted surface with a curved geometry. This is the simplest method technically, as the panels are not actually curved. Although this method avoids bending the panels, the complex shapes it creates require careful consideration of the material’s expansion and contraction to prevent distortion and ensure long-term durability.

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 02 — Assembly of timber panels on outdoor and indoor soffit / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 04 — Detail plan of the cantilevered soffit and canopy / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.

Pre-curved Panels

Pre-curved panels are HPL boards with a natural timber veneer, designed to accommodate both convex and concave curves within standard radii. While this limits the available radii (typically under 10 meters), it simplifies installation since the panels are prefabricated and adaptable to various geometries, enabling applications like timber corner cladding. In façade designs with pre-curved panels, it’s essential to ensure the curvature radius of the selected panel is always larger than what the design calls for. During installation, aspects such as the fixing system, profile spacing, and the need for central support on convex panels must be considered.

Example of curved timber on façades and exterior soffit

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 09 — Construction details of on-site installation of curved panels on the soffit / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 22 — Custom cut timber panels for soffit and visible screw fastening system on aluminum profiles / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.

Custom In-Situ Curving

The most flexible method for creating curved timber façades is custom curving of panels on-site. This method requires specialized installers or a supplier offering installation services to ensure a perfect fit for the panels. This was the approach taken for the Gensler-designed Moody Center at the University of Texas, where its multipurpose sports facilities serve as the heart of campus life. The building’s flexibility is largely due to its timber canopy, made from Parklex Prodema timber panels, installed on-site to precisely match the curved design geometry.

The canopy wraps around the main entrance, enhancing the building’s integration with its surroundings and providing a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The curved soffit softens the connection between the overhanging roof and the interior corridors, reducing direct sunlight in the vestibules while bouncing natural light inside. The panels reflect the region’s vernacular architecture, which uses organic materials; the soffit features Okume natural timber panels, which are durable enough to withstand varying weather conditions.

The development and installation were carried out entirely by Parklex Prodema in collaboration with Gensler. To achieve the required curvature, each radius demanded a specific panel thickness, as well as adjustments in the distance between profiles and a customized fixing system to avoid material stress. The application of these panels at the Moody Center followed a highly tailored process, where each component was precisely calibrated to blend seamlessly with the building’s architecture.

WhatsApp Image 2021 07 13 at 10.46.48 — Process of installing Parklex Prodema timber panels on the cantilever soffit.

Process of custom installation of Parklex Prodema natural timber panels on the outside of the canopy. — Outdoor-indoor transition of the in-situ curved timber ceiling with a metal framework.

Technical Solutions for Curved Timber on Exteriors

We’ve explored some of the essential factors involved in installing curved timber on façades and exterior soffits. For other project-specific considerations, such as selecting the ideal panel thickness, fixing in complex curvature radii, or integrating with other materials, Parklex Prodema offers specialized technical services. Our team carefully reviews each project, taking into account factors such as structural stability, design requirements, and environmental conditions. We collaborate closely with architects and installers to deliver custom solutions that ensure both technical precision and visual appeal.