Mass Timber at Zalongo: Building Where Others Cannot

The Monument of Zalongo in Preveza is a historical landmark built at an altitude of 786 meters, overlooking the Zalongo Monastery below. Its remote and rugged location makes any construction project extremely demanding.

Yet, in 2011, the company AFOI KARAMPELA A.E.B.E., in collaboration with @keskos_building, completed the construction of a new wing for monastic accommodation using mass timber (CLT). The building is two stories high, 27 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 216 sq.m. per floor. The impressive part? It was completed in just 50 days!

Today, the nuns residing there speak of the many benefits of the new structure. Compared to the older, conventional buildings of the monastery, the new wing offers excellent thermal insulation, keeping the space warm in winter and cool in summer. At the same time, the natural wood contributes to a healthy and serene environment, ideal for monastic life.

And of course, the earthquake-resistant performance of mass timber is one of its biggest advantages, providing high durability and safety even in seismic areas.

Why Choose CLT in Remote and Inaccessible Areas?

CLT is the ideal solution for construction in remote or hard-to-reach areas, as it combines strength, construction speed, and sustainability.

• Prefabricated panels → Minimize construction time and the need for heavy machinery.
• Lightweight yet durable structure → Easy transport to hard-to-reach locations.
• Excellent energy performance → Reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.
• Total natural harmony → Ideal for glamping, eco-tourism facilities, mountain or island homes, shelters, and monasteries.

Our experience at Zalongo proves that #CLT is the solution for building where other methods struggle.