We are interested in exploring if material supply that swaps centralisation for distributed supply-chains is a passing fad or a real renaissance in localism. Is what some see as an idealist response showing signs of reaching scale? These approaches are not consigned to just timber, but to other construction materials too. Is this a return towards vernacular building that recognises material availability?
In the heart of northwest Spain, the city of Lugo is embracing bioregional approaches. We visited the architects, politicians, manufacturers, and foresters who are enabling this recent shift to find out more.
Exploring opportunities in localised timber supply chains.
BIOREGIONALISM
The city
Located within the region of Galicia, rich in forests, the area’s recent history has been witnessing a marked decline in timber use for construction. Forestry has become monocultural and timber use increasingly focussed on pallet and biomass production.
of Lugo.
Driven by local government, forest owners, and timber manufacturers, the region is witnessing a renewed push for regional timber use in Lugo's civic and private buildings. Impulso Verde, stands as a testament to this movement, the first mid-rise structure built entirely from timber sourced within a 100km radius.
The Impulso Verde building construction showcases the potential of local resources and inspires sustainable practices through its use of a pine cross-laminated timber core, glulam facade, and eucalyptus glulam grid shell roof.
