The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) has unveiled CORA, the Cathedral of Robotic Artisans, a pioneering timber workshop designed to house a six-axis industrial milling robot. Located in the Valldaura Labs Campus within Barcelona’s Collserola Natural Park, this project integrates advanced timber construction, digital fabrication, and sustainability.

Structural Design and Timber Engineering
CORA stands as a self-supporting timber structure that bridges 19th-century heritage with 21st-century design. The project involved retrofitting an existing brick stable, maintaining its original walls while introducing a prefabricated wooden framework. This approach enhances sustainability by reducing demolition waste and repurposing existing materials. The design features a Voronoi-style roof supported by seven branching columns that mimic an arborescent, tree-like structure. Constructed from cross-laminated timber and precision-cut using computer numerical control machining, the building spans 8.8 metres by 4.6 metres. The cross-laminated timber joints, fabricated at Valldaura Labs, enable a robust yet lightweight structure, demonstrating timber’s potential as a high-performance building material.

Sustainability and Circular Construction
Sustainability is a core principle of CORA, reflected in its biobased materials and circular construction methods. The cross-laminated timber façade panels feature precision-milled Voronoi patterns, ensuring a visually dynamic yet harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. These panels remain untreated on the interior side, preserving the natural texture of the wood. To accommodate robotic operations, a reinforced terrazzo floor was installed, incorporating recycled bricks from the Valldaura Estate. This choice enhances durability while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete flooring.

Green Roof and Ecological Integration
One of CORA’s defining features is its green roof system, designed to improve insulation and biodiversity. The structure incorporates root-barrier membranes for waterproofing, geotextile fabric and drainage boards for water management, and a humus layer that supports native Mediterranean plants. The selected vegetation, including common honeysuckle, sweet clematis, creeping sedum, and French lavender, was chosen for its drought resistance and ecological benefits. An integrated irrigation system ensures optimal hydration, while the roof contributes to thermal regulation and rainwater absorption.

Advancing Timber-Based Architecture
CORA serves as a functional workshop for IAAC’s Valldaura Labs, supporting research in ecological design, circular bioeconomy, and robotic fabrication. By demonstrating the potential of cross-laminated timber and CNC-milled joinery, the project aligns with contemporary movements towards low-carbon, biobased architecture. As timber construction gains prominence, CORA exemplifies how digital fabrication, robotic craftsmanship, and sustainable materials can converge to redefine modern architecture. The project provides valuable insights for architects, product designers, and interior designers exploring circular, low-impact material solutions.

Project Development and Acknowledgements
The project was developed by students of the Master’s in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities programme at IAAC Valldaura Labs. It was directed by Vicente Guallart, Daniel Ibañez, and Michael Salka, with photography by Adrià Goula.

Source: IAAC
Photos: Adrià Goula