The international BUILD THE (IM)POSSIBLE contest, promoted by Rothoblaas, has recognised the winning projects that pushed the boundaries of timber design using the innovative post-and-beam construction system. Showcasing both emerging talents and established professionals, each project exemplifies how design and sustainability can combine to create cutting-edge structures.

The project by Maria Luisa Carmona is an agro-industrial timber building located within the University of Piura in northern Peru. The goal of the Educational Agro-Industrial Integrative Building project is to create “a sustainable construction in harmony with the environment, utilising a post-and-beam system. This construction choice addresses the need for seismic strength and ecological responsibility, since building with timber significantly reduces the structure's carbon footprint while ensuring seismic strength appropriate to the geographical context”.

The key architectural features include large open spaces and glazed façades that integrate the structure with the surrounding landscape. Inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures, the unique roof design evokes the local mountain ranges, symbolising Peru’s agricultural and water heritage.

The use of ALUMEGA connectors gives the structure exceptional strength and precision in its joints, enabling wide spans that enhance spatial flexibility – a crucial design feature in accommodating the building's various multifunctional spaces, from laboratories and classrooms to offices and conference rooms. The project moves beyond conventional concrete designs with flat roofs, instead embodying a timber-based model of innovation that combines cultural heritage, sustainability and contemporary architectural demands.

The jury recognised the architectural design for its harmonious integration with the natural environment and its complete alignment with the requirements of the contest, which called for connections capable of supporting wide-span beams and large column-free spaces.

The Bjerking AB firm in Stockholm was recognised for its standout project for the Arvid Nordquist Roastery. The structure was built primarily using CLT, a material chosen for its strength, versatility and low environmental impact, combined with a hybrid timber-to-steel framework capable of “supporting” the imposing scale of the building, which is also partially dedicated to production.

For the architects at the firm, one of the main challenges was finding a connection system capable of supporting heavy loads between the glulam beams and posts while still maintaining adequate assembly tolerances. The solution was identified in Rothoblaas’ ALUMEGA connector, which fulfilled the load-bearing requirements while ensuring ease of installation, allowing for pre-assembly in the factory and thus simplifying on-site construction.

The jury praised the firm’s courage for being one of the first to use ALUMEGA, the pinned connector for POST-AND-BEAM systems.

With the presentation of the awards, the second edition of the “BUILD THE (IM)POSSIBLE” contest celebrates the boldness of designs that dare to push the boundaries of material choices and construction methods while also providing a valuable opportunity to reflect on the present and future of timber construction. Rothoblaas is committed to promoting projects that not only challenge the limits of design but also contribute to more sustainable and responsible architecture.

This edition's winners have shown that, through creativity and the use of cutting-edge materials, it is possible to create buildings that are not only functional but also in harmony with their surroundings. Their work is a clear example of how design can address contemporary demands, from eco-friendly solutions to technological innovation.

A special thanks to all participants and the jury for their dedication and vision.