Large-scale mass timber construction: the ambitious Zona Franca del Plata project Large-scale mass timber construction: the ambitious Zona Franca del Plata project

In south-west Uruguay, overlooking the Río de la Plata, one of the largest mass timber office buildings in Latin America is taking shape. The Zona Franca del Plata project, located in Colonia del Sacramento, represents a significant step forward in the South American development of engineered timber construction.

In a market where the structural timber supply chain is still evolving, delivering a mass timber building exceeding 11,000 m² requires a level of technical coordination, availability of certified materials and specialist support that goes beyond established practices. Access to local technical expertise and proven solutions thus becomes a decisive factor in ensuring both the success of the project and the quality of the final outcome.

Construction system for hybrid mass timber buildings

The LEED-certified building combines a reinforced concrete core with mass timber structures for all communal areas and office spaces – an approach that aligns with the most advanced hybrid timber-concrete construction systems now increasingly adopted in mass timber projects. This configuration also enables an effective balance between structural stability and construction speed, while optimising the building’s overall performance.

The design was developed by BGP Arquitectura, while site supervision and assembly were entrusted to Atchugarry Arquitectura y Construcción. SIMONIN, meanwhile, was responsible for supplying the timber elements and technical materials, drawing on its well-established expertise in the production of engineered timber structures.

Discover all solutions for hybrid building design and construction

Logistics and material availability: a crucial design challenge

Large-scale construction in mass timber involves addressing a very specific challenge: the availability of certified materials and technical systems aligned with the required performance criteria. In this project, many components were supplied directly by SIMONIN alongside the structural elements. At the same time, local support from Rothoblaas enabled the integration of additional solutions for the timber building envelope, specifically membranes, fastening systems and accessories, thereby reducing procurement lead times and ensuring technical assistance during operations.

This approach allowed the design solutions to be adapted to actual site conditions, avoiding delays and maintaining continuity throughout the construction process.

Connection systems: adaptability and structural performance

In an engineered timber building of this scale, structural connections represent one of the most critical aspects. The choice of fastening systems must ensure mechanical strength, long-term reliability and compatibility with different structural configurations.

A range of systems was employed in the project, each serving a specific function. The HBS structural screws provide advanced mechanical performance and ductile behaviour, including under seismic loading. HBS PLATE screws optimise steel-to-timber interaction in connections with metal plates, enhancing both shear and tensile resistance. TBS screws with washer were used in areas subjected to wind-induced uplift forces, while LBS screws are designed for timber-to-metal joints with thin plates. Finally, VGZ fully threaded screws were used for their high tensile capacity in structural assemblies and mass timber elements.

In addition to the screws, ALUMIDI connectors were also requested: extruded angle brackets, free from welds and certified for multidirectional loads. Their properties allow for concealed joints, improving both architectural integration and fire performance. Completing the system is the WHT PLATE range, designed to manage tensile forces in timber-to-timber connections in multi-storey CLT buildings.

Timber protection and building envelope performance

Timber arrives on site with very specific properties. Maintaining these is a technical responsibility, which is why the self-adhesive membrane DEFENCE ADHESIVE TRASPIR was used to provide temporary protection for the floor slabs. For the vertical envelope, TRASPIR EVO UV 210 was used, a highly breathable monolithic membrane characterised by strong UV resistance and controlled behaviour in the event of fire. Continuity of the building envelope’s air and water tightness was further ensured through the use of technical tapes such as:

• SPEEDY BAND, without liner and quick to apply;

• FLEXI BAND, also suitable for inferior-quality surfaces;

• SMART BAND, used for more complex sealing applications and ensures maximum reliability, even in the presence of standing water.

Last but not least, to meet fire safety requirements, FIRE FOAM was used, a sealing foam certified to EI240, ensuring insulation and protection under critical conditions.

We explored the topic of fire resistance in detail in a previous article.

On-site handling: control and safety

The handling of large, mass timber structural elements calls for reliable and configurable lifting systems. In this project, RAPTOR plates were used, certified devices for lifting timber elements and designed to accommodate variable loads. The ability to adjust both the number of screws and the plate configuration allows safe handling of both lightweight elements and components weighing over 3 tonnes, ensuring full control during all lifting operations.

This topic is covered in more detail here: Lifting on site: efficiency and safety.

Building in mass timber: a process requiring integrated expertise

The Zona Franca del Plata project demonstrates how large-scale mass timber construction demands an integrated approach encompassing design, supply and site management. From the definition of structural connections to timber protection and the handling of elements, each stage contributes to the system's overall performance.

In contexts where mass timber construction is still developing, access to technical expertise, certified materials and local support is essential to ensure continuity, control and build quality.

Learn more about mass timber construction solutions, connection systems and building envelope technologies on our official website.