CONSTRUCTIONS IN WOOD
Theory and practice are very close in wood constructions. Hewing a trunk is practical work, using a circle and a square. Horizontal, vertical and diagonal directions are the guide. This not only draws the theoretical scheme but means simplification in sawing the beams and joining them together.
The first problem is the profile of the beam. A natural trunk is essentially circular. A simple wall construction of trunks cannot be sealed, there are problems with connections between the elements. A usable beam needs an orthogonal profile: a square or a rectangle. These elements compose a constructionally sound and sealed wall (Juvanec 2012).
Practice follows these elements: a trunk is circular, a beam can be rectangular for being composed together. Circles are joined together with a lot of wasted space, beams are not. Sawing lines are stretched. Wooden joints use these principles (Zwerger 2012). Theory is much closer to practise than we think: the basis is a circle with a square inside and the leading lines are horizontal, vertical and diagonal (Werner 1988).
Use of theory in practice is simple. There are three geometrical figures (circle, square, rectangle) and only three directions: 0, 45 and 90 degrees. This isn't a limitation but order, with simplification and the final result: harmonised elements as beauty.
A circle has only one dimension around the centre: the radius. The symmetry of a circle is circular.
A square has only one length of baseline, one angle and one diagonal. The symmetry of a square can be seen in vertical, horizontal or transverse directions (Juvanec 2012).
The composition of a circle and a square has simply one datum: the baseline. If the side of a square is 'one', its diagonal – according to Pythagoras – is the square root of two (because one squared plus one squared is equal to two squared).
A rectangle has its origin in a square, with the final shape as a board. The most usable beam has a square profile, but the best bearing strength is the golden section.
The golden section is a relation between lengths and can be seen in nature, as well as in the human body.
In length this proportion can be expressed as
a : b = b : c
if
c = a + b
The length 'c' in the golden section is described as the relation between lengths 'a' and 'b', if 'c' is equal to 'a' plus 'b'.
The golden section as a geometrical figure can be composed of a square and the diagonal of its half. Composition in a rectangle:
1 : (1 + √5)/ 2
A profile in the golden section is the most effective, able to carry the biggest load with the smallest use of wood (Kusar 1999).
This is the most sustainable use of the wood and many trees left for our descendants.
We can find important objects in the golden section, the most important being the United Nation building in New York, designed by French architect Le Corbusier.
Wood is not a material for only single storey buildings, modern houses today may have four, six or even more storeys (Zuerich, Vienna, Koper).
Palisade and wattle
Palisade is a system of vertical posts, in which the elements are dug into the ground.
If the terrain allows, this composition is complete. If it doesn't, posts have to be connected with wicker material, supple or split branches.
This is the most simplified system and allows curved lines. The first known construction of this type is an Irish crannog, a circular wall around a fire, covered with a conical straw roof.
Wattle is wickerwork: it has a vertical construction with sticks, which are interwoven with softer branches. The surface shows its woven structure, but the problem is permeability of light, views, wind and chill. Wattle is also the simplest filling material for frames, used primarily for baskets.