6 iconic architectural projects featuring natural wood

Facades and interiors from renowned firms that embrace the noble material

Parklex Prodema natural timber lattice envelope on the façade of the Aspen Art Museum, by Shigeru Ban. — Aspen Art Museum, designed by Shigeru Ban. See more

Today, wood can offer technical performance equivalent to that of synthetic materials, which has revitalized its application in large-scale projects.

Shigeru Ban – Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum, designed by Shigeru Ban, captivates with its intricate exterior facade, a lattice of natural wood panels that serves as a thermal envelope. Inspired by the concept of a thermal envelope, the design allows the interior to maintain a stable temperature through the circulation of air in the outer spaces. This envelope not only regulates climate control but also interacts with light, filtering sunlight through the glass walls and skylight. Collaboration with Parklex Prodema was crucial, enabling the creation of a full-scale model that ensured precision in the final design.

FJMT – EY Centre Tower of Wood

The EY Centre in Sydney has become an icon of the city’s skyline, notable not only for its imposing architecture but also for its innovative use of timber in its facade. The building features a double skin, where a transparent glass layer combines with a natural wood latticework that automatically regulates light and interior temperature. The mfree-SCCF system (Maintenance Free, Sustainable, Closed Cavity Facade) used in this project was developed specifically for this building and enhances thermal efficiency while adding a warm and unique texture to the architectural ensemble. This balance between technology and aesthetics has garnered multiple international awards.

Parklex Prodema natural timber cladding panels at the FJMT's Sydney EY Centre — EY Centre in Sydney, designed by FJMT. See more

Foster and Partners – 50 Hudson Yards

In one of New York’s most ambitious real estate developments, the 50 Hudson Yards skyscraper incorporates timber in a refined manner within its interiors. Each of the 58 bathrooms in the tower is clad with natural walnut panels, chosen for their water resistance and ability to maintain elegance and performance in high-use environments. These panels, manufactured by Parklex Prodema, not only add a touch of distinction but also help achieve LEED Gold certification, a sustainability standard defining the entire Hudson Yards project. The meticulous selection and treatment of the timber veneers ensured impeccable color uniformity in each bathroom.

Parklex Prodema natural timber panelling in the bathrooms at 50 Hudson Yards in New York, by Foster + Partners — 50 Hudson Yards in New York, designed by Foster + Partners. See more

Diller Scofidio + Renfro – Tianjin Juilliard

The Tianjin Juilliard campus in China, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, engages with its environment through the careful integration of timber. The building’s facade combines steel and natural wood cladding, establishing a material connection with the surrounding landscape and the earthy tones of the adjacent park. The architectural team actively participated in material selection, closely collaborating with Parklex Prodema to achieve a harmonious synthesis between the contemporary aesthetics of the building and nature.

Parklex Prodema natural timber cladding panels at the Juilliard School of Music in Tianjin, by Diller Scofidio + Renfro — Juilliard School of Music campus in Tianjin, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. See more

Frank Gehry – Guggenheim Bilbao

The Guggenheim Bilbao, a masterpiece by Frank Gehry, is renowned not only for its innovative exterior design but also for the careful selection of materials in its interiors. In 1993, the museum sought a wood flooring that was both visually appealing and extremely durable against high foot traffic. Through collaborative research with Parklex Prodema, a solution was developed that allowed for the use of natural timber in flooring, ensuring exceptional durability. More than 1.3 million annual visitors have walked on this floor, which continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience while retaining its original warmth.

Parklex Prodema natural timber floors at the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, by Frank Gehry and César Caicoya — Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, project by Frank Gehry. See more

Philippe Starck – Restaurant L’Avenue

Renowned designer Philippe Starck showcased his unique style in the restaurant L’Avenue in Paris, where timber plays a central role in creating sophisticated environments. Inspired by classic Parisian glamour with a contemporary twist, Starck chose American oak flooring that connects The Salon and The Chalet, two contrasting yet complementary atmospheres. Natural timber not only provides timeless beauty but is also prepared to withstand the intense foot traffic of the restaurant, meeting the highest technical standards without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.