Timber and steel combine to ambitiously span the Bille along Hamburg’s expanding green corridor
Billebrücke
2025
Timber and steel are each used to their full potential. Fabricated weathering steel supports anchor the crossing along the water’s edge, reaching out over the river and back towards land. Between their tips, shaped glulam beams span the impressive 45m gap, their slenderness at midspan contrasting the heft of the banks. This combination of wood and steel, offers durability, low maintenance, and sustainability. The bridge’s efficient, prefabricated construction is low-cost, fast to assemble, and reduces the need for scaffolding or temporary supports.
The structure’s curved form, deep at the supports and slender over the river, optimizes material use with minimal components. The 45m long glulam beams push the limits of production and transportation. Their morphing cross section is read in elevation as they transition from stepped at the ends to smooth in the middle. This feature is highlighted at night through subtle deck edge lighting.
Weathering steel deck plates protect the timber while forming the walking surface and deck edge. A delicate stainless-steel parapet sweeps along both edges of the bridge and onto the approaches, forming a continuous sculptural element that leads users over the river.
The palette of materials: timber, weather and stainless steel, ensures longevity (100 years) with minimal upkeep. The steel’s darkening patina will settle over time while the warmer timber will slowly grey, blending with the surroundings. Together, the materials create a harmonious contrast between nature and industry, reflecting the site’s past and future.
