3XN/GXN - Venice Biennale - Barlby Carlsson

3XN/GXN - Venice Biennale

Role

Technical Design / Fabrication / Installation

Collaborators

GXN / CITA / Rambøll

Year

2025

Photos

Rasmus Hjortshøj

In connection with the Centre for Information Technology and Architecture, GXN, 3XN's innovation branch, developed cladding materials made from biomass, which were to be exhibited at the 2025 Venice Biennale in the Arsenale. They approached us to help materialize their concept: a six meter high tortioned tower showcasing their experimental cladding materials.

GXN initially proposed a structure, and in collaboration with Rambøll engineers we developed a feasible solution involving custom steel connections and complex timber joints. We followed an iterative process in which we built a 1:1 prototypes and further develop the design in intimate collaboration with the designers.

Once we arrived at a buildable solution that was true to their concept, it was off to Venice. The installation required the expertise of Barlby Carlsson's install team, as it's no small feat to erect a six meter high tortioned timber-and-steel in a 2000 year old building.