Triumph of Mass Timber: A Local Food Market in South Korea Wins Acclaim
In an era where sustainability and eco-friendly construction are of utmost importance, mass timber is increasingly gaining traction worldwide. South Korea is no exception, as evidenced by the recent Excellence Award at the Korea Wood Design Awards 2022, conferred upon a local food market project. The winning design, initially envisioned as a concrete structure, was transformed into an exquisite mass timber creation, thanks to the ingenuity of Gae Yeon Won, CEO of Studiothewon. With the city of Chuncheon backing the project, the food market is poised to offer residents and tourists alike a one-of-a-kind experience of wood construction.
A Mass Timber Marvel: Gae Yeon Won, a staunch advocate of wood, secured first place in a public competition with his innovative mass timber design. Utilising Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam), and a steel hybrid system, Won artfully maximised the harmony between the structure, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of wood. As a result, the local food market not only demonstrates the versatility of mass timber but also showcases the elegance of wood in construction.
Chuncheon’s Local Food Market:
The local food market, situated in the city of Chuncheon, is being developed with both residents and tourists in mind. This innovative project is expected to serve as a landmark and a testament to the potential of mass timber in sustainable construction. The market will offer a unique, immersive experience for visitors, highlighting the beauty and practicality of wood while promoting local produce and cuisine.
The Canadian Connection
Interestingly, Gae Yeon Won’s passion for wood can be traced back to his association with Canada Wood Korea. Through their training and technical workshop programs, Won gained the knowledge and inspiration to make his mark in the Korean wood construction sector. The success of the local food market project underscores the impact of international collaborations and the sharing of expertise across borders.
The local food market project, a recipient of the Excellence Award at the Korea Wood Design Awards 2022, is a prime example of the transformative power of mass timber. Gae Yeon Won’s innovative design, coupled with the support of the city of Chuncheon, has created a unique space that will captivate both local residents and tourists. The project showcases the elegance, versatility, and sustainability of wood construction, paving the way for further adoption of mass timber in South Korea and beyond.