May 19 2025

A novel smart bridge employing a hybrid timber and concrete construction is being heralded as the first in a new era of durable and low-maintenance bridge designs to be rolled out across Europe.

The Baiersbronn Bridge by Moxon Architects and IB Miebach has been conceived as a central feature of the region's 2025 garden show and promotes active travel as well as improving the rocky river landscape.

Moxon director Ezra Groskin, said: “Everything falls into place with this design. It is a story of two materials: the way they behave and interact structurally, functionally and formally.”

Extending to 25m in length and up to 6m wide at its mid-point to frame landscape views the stepped bottom bridge has an outer lean to deflect driving rain.

Founding director Ben Addy continued: “This bridge is an expression of creative symbioses: the interdependence of timber and concrete; of site and geometry; and a process of continual innovation with our partners IB Miebach.”

Pre-shaped block laminated timber beams serve as formwork for the concrete deck, cast in-situ, to capitalise on the compression qualities of concrete and the tensile strength of timber. This structure is topped by a steel parapet which hugs the gentle bend of the bridge.

The crossing is an evolution of the Balingen footbridge, completed in 2022.

Post your comments