Tõrvandi school removes all facade sunshades after timber splits

The entire wooden sun-shading system has been removed from the facade of the Tõrvandi school building near Tartu after its timber began to split just two years after construction. ERR reported that an expert assessment will determine whether the damaged parts can be repaired or the facade needs a new architectural solution.

Kambja municipality Mayor Kajar Lember said the glued-laminated timber slats had come apart, creating a safety risk. After defects or other problems were identified in about a third of the shading, the municipality asked for all of it to be taken down.

KRC Ehitus, which built the school, has not said whether the problem was caused by a construction or material defect. Board member Taavi Sinijärv said the company used glued-laminated timber from Liimpuit OÜ and had built the facade according to the public procurement project.

The building is still under warranty. Lember said the design may not have withstood exposure to rain and other weather, and that the removal was a precaution against falling timber. The expert’s conclusions and a decision on the facade are expected before the end of the year.