ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
Photos : Simon Kennedy
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
MOXON ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IB-MIEBACH COMPLETE SUSTAINABLE TIMBER BRIDGE FOR GERMAN TOWN
Moxon Architects has completed a pedestrian and cycle bridge for the town of Balingen in southern Germany , a design collaboration with timber bridge engineering specialist Ingenieurbüro Miebach . Balingen Footbridge embodies the town ’ s ambitious dual commitment to design excellence and a sustainable future , while offering a sympathetic response to the natural river setting . Unveiled ahead of the 2023 Baden-Würtemberg Garden Show , the bridge will form a focal showpiece of a 14-hectare regeneration for the event .
As well as linking event venues , the new bridge strengthens Balingen ’ s network of foot and cycle paths and will serve as a catalyst for further responsible regeneration of the River Eyach , a revived amenity which runs through the town . The footbridge also sets an important exemplar in the creation of sustainable infrastructure , through timber construction , in place of steel and concrete .
The innovative , sustainable , and low-maintenance bridge features a pair of structural timber beams spanning 40 metres over the river at an oblique angle , cradling pedestrians and cyclists upon a 3.0m wide fibre reinforced plastic deck . At both ends of the bridge , the structure widens to 5.0m , allowing comfortable access . The two subtly angled and tapered beams are designed to flare outwards in plan as they approach either riverbank , embracing the town ’ s network of footpaths and cycle tracks . The beams extend above the level of the deck to form the bridge ’ s parapet sides – a necessity allowing the bridge to clear future predicted flood levels while enabling fully accessible gradients at either approach . The visible , outward leaning outer faces of the shaped glulam beams
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