Two architectural innovations made their debut on the world stage at the Landesgartenschau in southern Germany’s Allgäu region: the self-shaping Wangen Tower made of wood and the Hybrid Flax Pavilion with robotically produced flax sections that reduced the quantity of wood needed for the structure by two thirds.

Prague’s Central Station has already undergone years of renovation work. The design by Henning Larsen aims to redevelop the district’s less desirable areas and transform the station into an attractive destination with a spectacular timber construction.

The new research and innovation centre built for Danone to the southwest of Paris, called the In’Cube, is an example of timber hybrid construction at its finest. Instead of banishing research behind closed doors, there is a focus on transparency.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research examines the structure of matter. Its latest construction is already underway: named CERN B777 and designed by Henning Larsen, the new research centre will be round and mostly made of wood.

Australia could be described as a late mover as far as sustainable construction is concerned. One of its timber buildings – the award-winning Macquarie University Incubator – shows how to reduce energy and resources on all levels.