![Urbach Tower / ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart - Image 1 of 51](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5ce4/ac82/284d/d102/0400/0623/newsletter/URBACH_TOWER_Photos_07.jpg?1558490221)
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Architects: ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart
- Year: 2019
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Manufacturers: Blumer Lehmann
![Urbach Tower / ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart - Image 5 of 51](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5ce4/acdf/284d/d14b/fd00/0105/newsletter/URBACH_TOWER_Photos_09.jpg?1558490315)
Text description provided by the architects. The Urbach Tower is a unique wood structure. The design of the tower emerges from a new self-shaping process of the curved wood components. This pioneering development constitutes a paradigm shift in timber manufacturing from elaborate and energy-intensive mechanical forming processes that require heavy machinery to a process where the material shapes entirely by itself.
![Urbach Tower / ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart - Image 6 of 51](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5ce4/aecb/284d/d102/0400/0633/newsletter/URBACH_TOWER_Photos_16.jpg?1558490802)
This shape change is only driven by the wood’s characteristic shrinking during a decrease of moisture content. Components for the 14 m tall tower are designed and manufactured in a flat state and transform autonomously into the final predicted curved shapes during the industry-standard technical drying. This opens up new and unexpected architectural possibilities for wood structures, using a sustainable, renewable, and locally sourced building material.
![Urbach Tower / ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart - Image 7 of 51](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5ce4/ae84/284d/d102/0400/0630/newsletter/URBACH_TOWER_Photos_15.jpg?1558490741)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5ce4/abb4/284d/d14b/fd00/00ff/newsletter/URBACH_TOWER_Process_3.jpg?1558490001)
![Urbach Tower / ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart - Image 15 of 51](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5ce4/b26f/284d/d14b/fd00/0125/newsletter/URBACH_TOWER_Transport_and_Assembly_6.jpg?1558491750)
The Urbach Tower is the first wood structure made from self-shaped components. It serves as a landmark building for the City of Urbach’s contribution to the Remstal Gartenschau 2019.
![Urbach Tower / ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart - Facade, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5ce4/ad83/284d/d14b/fd00/0108/newsletter/URBACH_TOWER_Photos_11.jpg?1558490479)