Guangming International Equestrian Center Sets New Benchmark for Timber Construction in China
The Chinese city of Shenzhen is home to a new architectural feat: one of China’s largest single-unit timber structures. The Guangming International Equestrian Center, an ambitious project designed by Shenzhen Tanghua Architectural Design Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Institute of Mechanical Engineering Architectural Design Co., Ltd., is setting new benchmarks for mass timber construction. Recently, the project reached a significant milestone with the completion of its expansive timber roof structure.
Located in Guangming District, the center covers 50,000 square meters, with a total floor space of 69,000 square meters. The complex will accommodate up to 200 horses for international competitions and includes a main competition arena, indoor and outdoor training halls, support facilities, and equine housing.
The project’s defining feature is its mega-span timber engineering. The double-spliced Douglas fir glulam beams, supplied from Canada, extend up to 96 meters in length, weigh 37 tons, and create an impressive 66-meter span with 20-meter cantilever extensions. More than 73,000 bolted glulam connections ensure structural integrity. These specifications place the center among the largest timber engineering projects in China.
The rise of timber in non-residential construction in China is gaining momentum, with projects like the Guangming International Equestrian Center showcasing the material’s strength, sustainability, and efficiency. Canada Wood provided technical support to ensure adherence to rigorous engineering standards, reinforcing the growing role of mass timber in China’s commercial and public building sectors. As the country moves towards eco-conscious architecture, this project signals a bright future for large-scale timber construction.