Reclaimed Timber Pavilion at Chicago Architecture Biennial Demonstrates Low-Carbon Construction Potential
A newly unveiled reclaimed timber pavilion in Chicago’s Millennium Park is drawing attention at the 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial, demonstrating how material reuse and advanced structural design can offer a scalable, low-carbon alternative to conventional construction methods.
Designed and engineered by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the installation—titled Re-SPLAM (Reclaimed Spatial Laminated Timber)—builds upon the firm’s earlier SPLAM research while introducing a strong circular economy approach. The pavilion is constructed entirely from salvaged two-by-four timber recovered from deconstructed homes across Chicago, transforming discarded material into a high-performance structural system.
High-Performance Structure from Reclaimed Wood
Installed in Millennium Park’s South Boeing Gallery and open to the public through 28 February 2026, the 16-by-20-foot timber canopy demonstrates that upcycled wood can achieve structural performance comparable to reinforced concrete slabs, while weighing approximately one-fifth as much.
By stacking reclaimed timber into a three-dimensional laminated system, the pavilion challenges long-held assumptions that salvaged wood is only suitable for decorative or low-grade applications. Instead, Re-SPLAM positions reclaimed timber as a viable primary structural material for future construction.
Design, Engineering, and Material Efficiency
According to SOM Design Partner Scott Duncan, the pavilion highlights how thoughtful design and engineering can extend the life of existing materials while preserving their carbon-sequestering benefits. Unlike traditional engineered timber systems, Re-SPLAM embraces material variability.
Each reclaimed timber element was individually measured, catalogued, and computationally placed based on its specific properties. This process minimized cutting, reduced waste, and maximized structural efficiency—demonstrating how digital tools can support sustainable construction practices.
Aligning with Climate-Focused Architecture
The pavilion aligns closely with the 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial theme, “SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change,” emphasizing how rethinking existing resources can unlock new architectural and structural possibilities. Biennial leadership has highlighted the project as a compelling example of how reclaimed materials can inspire responsible and imaginative responses to climate change.
Research-Driven Collaboration and Public Engagement
Developed in collaboration with students from Washington University in St. Louis’ Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and built with support from industry partners using donated materials, the pavilion serves as a public demonstration of research-driven design.
Supported by four columns, the structure creates a 320-square-foot shaded gathering space, where the layered timber canopy defines the space through its rhythm, texture, and structural clarity.
Implications for Future Construction
Beyond its role as an exhibition installation, Re-SPLAM sparks broader discussion around the scalable use of reclaimed materials in commercial construction. By proving that salvaged timber can perform as a structural system, the project points toward a future where circular, low-carbon building solutions become practical and competitive alternatives to carbon-intensive materials.
Key Takeaways
- The reclaimed timber pavilion at the 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial highlights material reuse and low-carbon construction.
- Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Re-SPLAM uses salvaged timber from deconstructed homes.
- The structure achieves concrete-like performance at one-fifth the weight.
- The project demonstrates how design, engineering, and computation can extend material life and reduce waste.
- Re-SPLAM encourages broader adoption of reclaimed materials in commercial and structural construction.
