Centre Pompidou-Metz
The roof structure, with an area of 8,500 m², is both striking in form and structurally demanding. The hexagonal grid consists of a network of intersecting laminated timber strip-like beams of uniform cross-section. The overall structure, also based on a hexagonal plan and spanning distances of up to 40 m, consists of pairs of these beams, which form a total of six bearing layers. At the node points, two pairs of beams intersect. They are connected by prestressed screwed bolts in dowelled borings in the timber members. Shear forces are transmitted by laminated connecting elements between the strips.
