Timber Structures in 2025 OSAKA EXPO

In 2025 Osaka EXPO site, besides the Grand Ring, there are a number of eye-catching timber structures. One of them is the Poland pavilion designed by Interplay architects. YA was involved in this pavilion's construction phase as a technical consultant in the project management team.

The Poland pavilion's walls are covered by these stacked timber modules that were engineered as like masonry walls by the structural designer. Each module's height is 450mm - similar to that of chairs and benches. The modules are made of laminated cedar timber produced in Kagoshima, Japan.

The modules are vertically fixed in place by threaded steel rods and couplers. For lateral stability, the hind sides of the modules are fastened to a supporting steel structure or the building wall at every 1,800mm height increment.

Such a timber "masonry" module structure, if you will, feel fresh for those of us who are used to see orthogonal post and beam timber structures. It seems to offer a rich possibilities of building facade design.

Along with the curved, typhoon-like geometry, the stacked modules delivers pleasant natural warmth that is perhaps only possible with wood material. Congrats to Interplay architects and all folks involved in the project.

Here are photos of other pavilions' timber structures that caught our eye.