WAVE BRIDGE -PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLEWAY

Auckland North Shore, New Zealand

Project Description

CREDITS: Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner

TimberLab Solutions took on the challenge that became North Shore City’s “Wave Bridge.” Unique glue laminated rib components were manufactured and then geometrically crafted to varying lengths in TimberLab’s facility in Auckland. Once grouped in a specific order they emerged into an undulating sinuous form.

The ribs become more than purely aesthetic additions; serving as a shield from the busy traffic, giving real as well as perceived safety to pedestrians, and providing a sheltered outlook onto the mangroves and the Onepoto domain.  With the aspect of visual pollution an important driver, the ribs conceal the concrete beam of the underlying structure and allow for the bridge to be completely camouflaged within the natural mangrove environment.

AWARDS: 2008 NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards, Urban Design Category / 2008 NZ Wood Timber Design Awards, Outdoor Infrastructure Winner.