Four impressive ancient timber structures
In recent months we’ve been showcasing the impressive timber high rises that are continuing to grace our skylines over the past couple of years. Whilst they inspire awe and make us excited about the future of construction, we thought we’d take a moment to appreciate what came before.
In this blog, we thought we’d show you the four most impressive ancient timber structures that paved the way for the intricate high-rise builds we see today.
Kennecott Mines – Alaska
Roughly 100 years ago, copper was the biggest source of income at the town of Kennecott, Alaska. Between 1911 and 1938, five mines were dug to harvest copper ore near Kennecott and McCarthy.
During the heyday, the two towns were built up with mines and camps. One of the largest structures to take shape was a 14-story timber building in the center of Kennecott.
Now completely abandoned and protected as a National Historic Landmark as part of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the dilapidated structure still stands.
Photo – Copyright National Park Service
Old Government Buildings – New Zealand
Built in the late 1870s, the Government Buildings Historic Reserve in Wellington was the largest wooden building for more than a century.
Due to high concrete prices the structure was built with kauri wood. Kauri is now a protected type of forest in New Zealand with all Kauri forests coming under protection of the Department of Conservation by 1987!
There will be no more buildings made from Kauri wood, making the Old Government Buildings in New Zealand truly special.
Photo – Copyright Wikipedia
U Bein Bridge – Myanmar
U Bein Bridge is a crossing that spans the Taungthaman Lake in Myanmar.
Measuring at 1.2 kilometres this is the world’s longest and oldest teakwood bridge, which has stood since 1850. Construction workers made scale by using footsteps for the length of the bridge and spent two years building it!
Made only from teakwood, legend has it this was stolen from a former palace. It features 1,086 pillars that stretch out of the water, some of which have now been replaced with concrete. This bridge is now visited by tourists from all over the world.
Photo – Copyright Thousand Wonders
Horyu Temple – Japan
The world’s oldest surviving timber structure shows us what Japan looked like over 1,300 years ago.
The Buddhist temple includes a five-story pagoda – a tiered tower with multiple eaves which is considered historic across most of Asia – a main hall and a hall of visions. The Japanese government lists several of its structures, sculptures and artefacts as National Treasures.
The temple was selected in 1993 as Japan’s first UNSECO World Heritage Site and is visited by millions of people every single year.
Photo – Copyright Horyu Temple
And that’s it!
We hope you enjoyed reading about our four most impressive ancient timber structures in the world. If you’re feeling inspired to create your own timber masterpiece – no matter how big or small – get in touch and we’ll be able to provide all the materials you’ll need.
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