Europe’s first university building constructed entirely of wood has been awarded the top spot in the March FRAME Awards competition, its circular approach gaining recognition from the jury.
Marga Klompé Building designed by Powerhouse Company has been named the winner of the month for the March FRAME Awards competition. The 5,000-sq-m Learning Space earned an overall score of 7.22 and is the first university building in Europe to be entirely constructed from solid wood. Located on the forested campus of Tilburg University in the Netherlands, the full timber construction took a cue from its surroundings, from its wooden walls, floors, stairs, frames and finishes. ‘Perfect aesthetics and beautiful use of materials; minimal but warm,’ says Rene Toneman, partner and creative director at Silo.
Cover and above: The Marga Klompé Building on the Tilburg University in the Netherlands campus is constructed entirely of timber.
The designer drew inspiration from the campus’ Jos Bedaux-designed Cobbenhagen Building but opted for circular material and construction choices. Besides its wooden construction, a palette of natural, circular materials such as wood, terrazzo and plasterwork were employed. Upcycled and repurposed materials were implemented throughout, including energy insulation made of recycled denim textile. Wooden floors reinforced with beams enable large free spans and meet the high acoustic requirements necessary for the program. Its façade is made of Portuguese natural stone, which has an extended lifespan and can be disassembled. The stone contrasts the wooden finishes and lush forest surroundings, while still underlining the building’s circularity goals.
Von M employed a hybrid timber construction approach to the GWG Offices in Tübingen, Germany.
Drawing inspiration from Japanese design principles while simultaneously employing local materials, the Kanso Philosophy apartment connects with its Mediterranean context.
Timber construction was also a red thread in GWG Offices, which was awarded as the first honourable mention. Von M employed a hybrid timber construction approach to the Large Office (6.95), located in Tübingen, Germany. Minimal interior finishes were applied, and its prefabricated timber structure is left visible, with supports made of beech and ribbed ceilings in wood-concrete composite. For Miriam Barrio Studio’s design of Kanso Philosophy, March’s second honourable mention, wood was used as a decorative element. The Small Apartment (6.94) located in Barcelona draws inspiration from Japanese design principles, such as its connection to the surrounding natural environment and spatial flexibility, and from its Mediterranean context through materials like raffia for panels and doors and oak wood for all custom-made furniture.
Fumihiko Sano Studio repurposed a building as a hotel in Narai, Nagano prefecture, to incorporate the city’s heritage and landscape. 
Classical Egyptian Mamluki architecture and contemporary uses converge at the Mamluki Lancet Mosque in Al-Msayel, Kuwait.
The power of simplicity earned Fumihiko Sano Studio’s design of Byaku Narai the third honourable mention. A building in Narai, Nagano prefecture, Japan, was repurposed to incorporate the city’s heritage and landscape. The Hotel (6.80) uses local wood, materials and techniques that allude to the region’s design tradition. The blend of tradition and modernity is also a guiding element of the Mamluki Lancet Mosque in Al-Masayel, Kuwait, designed by Babnimnim Design Studio. The Cultural Space (6.77) combines classical Egyptian Mamluki architecture with contemporary design in the mixed-use spiritual and residential site. Agility is built into the space with a sliding partition that expands the designated women's area.
