A custom glulam peripheral structure

For Bali’s THK Tower, Weisrock designed and fabricated the exterior glulam timber framework, entirely custom-made. This technical casing has a crucial function:

• it adapts to the ascending geometry of the tower
• it accompanies the progressive torsion of the shape,
• This framework provides structural support for the rattan and reclaimed wood finish.

The timber structure acts as the tower’s structural “skin,” transforming it into an architectural masterpiece with fluid, organic lines inspired by Bali’s Tri Hita Karana philosophy.

A geometry challenge: curvature, torsion and millimetric precision

The design required advanced 3D modelling to realise the complex shape envisioned by the architect — a structure that rises, curves, and twists simultaneously.

The main technical difficulties:

• All unique laminated elements, each with a specific curvature and twist.
• An extremely low mounting tolerance, essential to guarantee the regularity of the future rattan dressing
• Detailed coordination with the Indonesian crews ensured the natural material finish would integrate flawlessly with the glulam structure.

An optimized manufacturing process in 4 months

The manufacturing took place in several phases:

1. Modelling and engineering

Each piece has been individually defined, integrating:

• 3D geometry,
• structural efforts,
• fixing points for the dressing,
• maritime transport constraints.
• assembly on site

2. Glulam production

The process has mobilized all of our expertise:

• high-strength glue,
• CNC milling with top-level accuracy
• reinforced quality control to ensure stability in a humid tropical climate.

3. Pre-assembly in the workshop

Segments were pre-assembled off-site to verify curve fitting and assembly points before installation in Bali.

The expedition to Bali: a logistic challenge

Shipping such a complex structure to Indonesia represented a challenge in itself:

• reinforced packaging to preserve the curvatures,
• sequencing of the elements to facilitate assembly on site,
• coordination with the local teams of Global Wood Tech for a millimetric installation.

Each piece has been designed to be manipulable, transportable and assemblable in tropical conditions, while maintaining its geometric precision.

A global architectural work where wood occupies the foreground

With a structure engineered and built by NS Weisrock, the THK Tower is able to bear its rattan envelope shaped in Bali, the reclaimed ironwood featured inside, and the lighting and multimedia system that brings the tower to life as a vibrant symbol.

Through the combined efforts of the design teams, engineers, our wood manufacturing workshops and Indonesian partners, a piece has emerged that harmonises structural innovation, European timber engineering, and traditional Balinese craft.

The THK Tower perfectly showcases NS Weisrock’s ability to support exceptional architectural projects, where the architects’ creativity meets the precision of glued-laminated timber. An international, complex and inspiring project that confirms wood as a material of the future for landmark structures.