During the construction of Søhøjlandets Skole og Børnehus in Ry, Denmark, carried out by Nordstern, large glulam pergolas were to be built. These structures required a range of specialised fastening solutions, including wind bracing solutions to absorb wind loads within the structure.

Between 2024 and 2026, Skanderborg Municipality has built the three-winged Søhøjlandets School and Nursery, covering 7,700 m², which has capacity for around 450–500 pupils and 150–190 nursery children. The project, designed by C.F. Møller Architects and built by the main contractor Nordstern, has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and nature and is therefore constructed from timber.

Strong and stable connections

“We were involved in the project to find solutions for joining the glulam structures from which the pergolas are made,” says Jacob Møldrup Hansen, Technical Manager at Simpson Strong-Tie Nordic. “The heavy loads in the open structure required complex connections, which were resolved in collaboration with the project’s engineer.”

For the pergola’s fastening solutions, Simpson Strong-Tie supplied BT4 concealed beam supports and Wind Secure™ connection brackets, which were combined with BESISTA® wind braces from Peikko to ensure a strong and stable connection capable of withstanding wind loads, whilst preserving the structure’s aesthetic and visible timber details. CSA fastening screws have also been used to secure the beam supports.

Simpson Strong-Tie meets the challenge

The project in Ry is yet another example of how Simpson Strong-Tie can deliver the right fastening solution for even the most specific challenges in modern timber structures, thereby ensuring durability, safety and aesthetics in the sustainable buildings of the future.