Design of the Lao River Bridge, Italy

The construction of the Lao Bridge shows that there also exists technologies and skilled human resources capable of providing remarkable contributions to modern timber construction techniques in southern Europe. The bridge opened in summer 2001 allows direct access across the river canyon, by car or foot. The outstanding natural beauty of this area required a high level of sensitivity both in the design of the bridge, and in the use of materials. To achieve this goal, the client chose the most sustainable construction material: timber. The most convenient form of wood for long-span bridge construction was chosen: glue laminated wood.