How to install curved wood on exterior facades and 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.

Wood in contemporary construction is a material that blends tradition and innovation, enabling architectural solutions that were once unfeasible. Thanks to advances in engineering and manufacturing, it is now possible to install wood in outdoor settings with high technical performance, both on ventilated façades and soffits exposed to the elements. The natural flexibility of wood allows for the creation of curved surfaces that adapt to different geometries and curvature radii. There are several methods for curving natural wood panels, each offering distinct advantages depending on the project’s scale and requirements.

Facet Curving

Facet curving uses flat boards to create a faceted surface with a curved design. This is the most straightforward method technically, as the panels are not actually bent. While this technique avoids bending the panels, the intricate shapes it produces require taking into account material expansion and contraction to avoid warping and ensure long-lasting performance.

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 02 — Assembly of wood panels on exterior and interior soffit. Courtesy of Gensler and KSC, INC.

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 04 — Close-up plan of the cantilevered soffit and canopy. Courtesy of Gensler and KSC, INC.

Pre-curved Panels

Pre-curved panels are HPL panels with a natural wood veneer, designed to fit both convex and concave curves within standard radii. While this restricts the available radii (typically under 10 meters), it simplifies installation because the panels are prefabricated and adaptable to various shapes, such as wood corner cladding. When designing façades with pre-curved panels, it is essential to ensure that the radius of the selected panel exceeds the design’s required radius. Installation should account for factors such as the fixing system, profile spacing, and the need for central support on convex panels.

Example of curved timber on façades and exterior soffit

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 09 — Installation details of in-situ curved panels on the soffit. Courtesy of Gensler and KSC, INC.

KSC Gensler UT Arena Parklex Prodema 22 — Cut to size wood panels for soffit and visible screw fastening system on aluminum profiles. Courtesy of Gensler and KSC, INC.

Custom In-Situ Curving

The most flexible option for creating curved wood façades is custom curving of the panels on-site. This method requires skilled installers or a supplier who offers installation services to ensure a perfect fit for the panels. This approach was used for the Gensler-designed Moody Center at the University of Texas, where its sports facilities are central to campus life. The building owes much of its flexibility to the wood canopy, made from Parklex Prodema wood panels, installed on-site to precisely align with the curved design geometry.

This canopy wraps around the main entrance, helping integrate the building with its environment and offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The curved soffit softens the transition between the overhanging roof and the interior hallways, reducing direct sunlight in the vestibules while reflecting natural light inside. The panels reflect the region’s vernacular architecture, known for its use of organic materials; the soffit incorporates Okume natural wood panels, which are durable enough to perform in spaces exposed to fluctuating weather conditions.

The development and installation were carried out by Parklex Prodema in collaboration with Gensler. To achieve the necessary curvature, each radius required a specific panel thickness, adjustments in profile spacing, and a custom fixing system to prevent stress on the material. The application of these panels at the Moody Center was a highly customized process, with each element fine-tuned to blend perfectly with the building’s architecture.

WhatsApp Image 2021 07 13 at 10.46.48 — Installation process of Parklex Prodema wood panels on the cantilever soffit.

Process of custom installation of Parklex Prodema natural timber panels on the outside of the canopy. — Exterior-interior transition of the in-situ curved wooden ceiling with a metal substructure.

Technical Solutions for Curved Wood on Exteriors

We’ve covered several key aspects of installing curved wood on façades and exterior soffits. For additional considerations like selecting the optimal panel thickness, fixing in complex curvature radii, or integrating with other materials, Parklex Prodema offers specialized technical services. Our team thoroughly analyzes each project, considering factors like structural integrity, formal design needs, and environmental conditions. We work closely with architects and installers to create tailored solutions that ensure both technical accuracy and visual harmony.