London-based architecture firm Waugh Thistleton Architects has installed an interactive modular maze-like installation in the Sackler Courtyard at the V&A for this year's London Design Festival. 

Named MultiPly, the installation, one of the festival's landmark projects, was developed with a global engineering firm Arup and the American Hardwood Export Council to emphasize the fusion of modular systems and sustainable construction materials as a possible solution.

London Design Festival is realized to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world. London will be transformed with an inspiring programme of landmark projects, installations and events from 15-23 September 2018.

The permeable structure is built from a reusable cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel system made of 60cbm of American tulipwood. Director Andrew Waugh said that it will show that modular architecture can provide not only efficient solutions but also enjoyable experiences.

"The structure will lead people a merry dance up and down staircases and across bridges exploring space and light," added Waugh Thistleton joins an illustrious list of architects who have collaborated with AHEC and Arup on Landmark Projects for LDF. 

"Waugh Thistleton has been pioneering innovative uses of wood in construction for decades," said David Venables, AHEC’s European Director. 

“MultiPly explores a new, more sustainable way of building, bringing together a readily available carbon-negative material – American tulipwood – with modular design."

MultiPly is made as carbon neutral: all carbon emissions due to hardwood extraction and processing, together with fabrication and installation of the structure and all transport stages, are offset by the carbon stored in the finished structure and the energy generated by incineration of process wood waste.

"There is increasing topical discourse on the use of CLT as a material of choice for commercial and residential development. MultiPly provides a fabulous opportunity to showcase how advances in timber technology, together with a focus on modularity and efficiency, means we should embrace timber for future developments," said Carolina Bartram, Lead Project Director at Arup.

The 9-metre high American tulipwood installation leads visitors through a series of stairs, corridors and open spaces inviting them to explore the potential of wood in architecture.

"Like a piece of flat-packed furniture, MultiPly will arrive as a kit of parts and will be simply and quietly assembled in under a week. Because it is built out of modules, it can be taken apart and reassembled in a new home after the London Design Festival," said Waugh Thistleton Architects.

All images © Ed Reeve 

> via London Design Festival