Mass is More
A large-scale installation using cross-laminated timber and regenerative materials, set in the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion.
To establish a dialogue between the industrial modernity of the 20th century and the new low-emission buildings of the 21st century. The project aimed to introduce innovative, sustainable building materials into one of the most iconic architectural spaces, the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, and demonstrate how regenerative materials can significantly reduce CO2 emissions in construction.
The Mass is More installation, designed by IAAC in collaboration with Bauhaus Earth, brings the latest advancements in mass timber construction to Barcelona. By revisiting the materials used in the original pavilion, the installation reimagines how sustainable architecture can help achieve the EU’s environmental targets for 2050.
A large-scale installation using cross-laminated timber (CLT) and regenerative materials, set in the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion. The installation is both an architectural exploration and an educational platform, promoting sustainable construction practices.
The key output of the project is a temporary installation demonstrating the structural capabilities and environmental benefits of mass timber construction.
The Project
The Mass is More installation creates a visual and conceptual dialogue between the 1929 Mies van der Rohe Pavilion and the future of sustainable construction. Through the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels sourced from local forests, the installation demonstrates the potential for constructing low-emission buildings with wood.
The installation respects the formal grid of the pavilion, inserting wooden elements that reflect on modern and sustainable architecture. A 12×2.5-meter CLT panel was floated in the pavilion’s iconic pond, symbolising the historical transport of timber from forest to factory via rivers.
It showcases the carbon-storing potential of wood and other regenerative materials, addressing the urgent need to decarbonize the construction industry. By comparing the embodied carbon of the original 1929 pavilion with that of the Mass is More timber installation, the project highlights the environmental benefits of using timber for architecture.
All timber used in the project was sourced locally from Galician forests and produced by Xilonor, Spain’s leading CLT company, part of the FINSA group. The materials used not only minimise carbon emissions but also promote sustainable forest management and regeneration.
An interactive digital application developed by Bestiario allows visitors to compare the environmental impacts of the original pavilion with the new timber installation, analysing embodied carbon, energy consumption, and transportation distances.
The Mass is More installation serves as more than a visual display; it is also a platform for cultural exchange and education. Throughout the weeklong event, the pavilion hosted performances, discussions, and workshops to deepen the conversation on sustainable construction and biocities.
The event also marked the official launch of MASS MADERA, a Spanish network of pioneers promoting mass timber construction. Coordinated by IAAC, this network includes cities, companies, and architects committed to reducing CO2 emissions in the construction industry.
Our Contribution
This installation was co-created by IAAC’s Daniel Ibáñez and Vicente Guallart, along with Alan Organschi from Bauhaus Earth. IAAC’s team of architects, designers, and researchers, as well as Bauhaus Earth’s experts, played a key role in developing the project, with contributions from timber specialists at Xilonor.
Who is it for?
Mass is More is aimed at architects, urban planners, policymakers, and the general public, offering a practical and conceptual demonstration of how mass timber can revolutionise building design. The installation also appeals to those interested in sustainable architecture, city design, and climate action, providing a clear example of how regenerative materials can shape future urban environments.
- Mies van der Rohe Foundation
- Built by Nature (BbN) – Grant funding provided to support mass timber innovation
- Laudes Foundation – Founding partner of Built by Nature
Barcelona European Forest City 2022, European Forest Institute (EFI), Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), and Generalitat de Catalunya.
