The dome’s structure, comprising 20 laminated beams, each 8.5 meters in length, converges at the top in a large timber ring. Recently, Cape Town, South Africa, has raised the world’s first 3D dome constructed from "extreme mass timber." This innovative superstructure includes 20 substantial beams made from marine plywood, connected to a timber ring that is secured in place by steel brackets.

Known as the “Green Point Education Dome,” the project follows seven years of planning by the City of Cape Town and over three years of construction since breaking ground in late 2020. It is one of only 12 dome structures globally built from timber, and stands out as the first dome featuring "15 x 3-dimensional circles of different sizes attached to the (20) beams," as explained by MEWA, one of South Africa’s leading timber fabricators. These circles form the foundation for three-dimensional quadrangular panels made from marine plywood, which connect to a curved glass dome. This dome measures two meters in width, 16 millimeters in thickness, and weighs more than 155 kilograms.

The dome's roof is notable for utilizing curved steel plates to form a precise three-dimensional structure, employing a geometric approach that has not been used in over 60 years. Referred to as “3D ply,” a first in South Africa, the timbers were manufactured at the MEWA factory and later assembled in Green Point Stadium Park. The beams were fitted into the upper ring with the use of massive dovetail joints, and the timber ring was assembled like a large doughnut, consisting of 20 angled segments cross-laminated multiple times for enhanced durability.

Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews, emphasized the significance of the dome, marking a key milestone for the city, the first in Africa to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Design. The city is aiming to construct more buildings using sustainable materials, such as timber. “Mass timber is the newest and greenest system of carbon-conscious construction in the world today, and the dome has been one of the catalysts for accelerating this construction in South Africa,” Alderman Andrews stated.

“It is the first three-dimensional mass timber dome ever to be built. There are 12 mass timber domes worldwide, all of which are two-dimensional, comprising 12 or more segments of two dimensions and relying on the human brain to make them look dome-shaped,” said Alderman Andrews.

Wood Central reports that the chosen timber is locally sourced South African poplar, selected for its resilience. The poplar, sourced from the Karoo, was cut to the required size and air-dried. The design, inspired by traditional Khoi dwellings—an indigenous group in South Africa—required a visionary architectural approach to bring this unique concept to life.

James Vos, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth, highlighted that the dome will be situated in one of Cape Town's most popular parks, which attracts over one million visitors annually. “This fantastic three-dimensional mass timber dome is an incredible addition that celebrates Khoi heritage and will complement the interactive, fun, and beautiful elements that park visitors enjoy,” Vos noted.