Cloud Arch: Application of an EPS composite to create an ultra-lightweight long-span sustainable structure

Expanded Polystyrene foam (EPS) is a chemically inert and 100% recyclable material that is lightweight and has a good compression strength per weight ratio; however, its current construction use is mostly limited to insulation or landfill. The key concept of this paper is to develop an EPS composite to create an ultra-lightweight long-span...

Rethinking Prototyping: Scan to Production: Designing with heterogeneous materials

This paper examines how digital scanning techniques can be utilised in the digital fabrication of hybrid materials. It explores how ‘imperfections’ discovered in natural materials can inform unique design solutions. In the first part of this paper, the technical scan-to-production process is explained. Secondly, the paper discusses this new...

An Open-Source Building System with Digitally Fabricated Components: A design- and production process that makes optimal use of the predicted next industrial revolution

With digital fabrication, our hardware is starting to bear greater resemblance to software. This paper explores the potential of processes used in the development of open-source software for the field of Architecture. The developed design process is connected to a building system that provides new insights on constructing with CNC-cut 2D...

Packing Optimization for Digital Fabrication

We present a design-computation method of design-to-production automation and optimization in digital fabrication; an algorithmic process minimizing material use, reducing fabrication time and improving production costs of complex architectural form. Our system compacts structural elements of variable dimensions within fixed-size sheets of stock...

Designing the Negative: An exploration of robotic fabrication for customized concrete formworks

Designing the Negative was the title of a Master Studio that took place at the Institute of Architecture and Media of Graz University of Technology during the summer semester of 2012. Students designed and fabricated prototypes of customized concrete formwork as part of their studio assignment. The studio theme forced students to think about...

Traditional Wood Joint System in Digital Fabrication

Tugite and Shiguchi are traditional architectural techniques of Japan, which connect materials without the use of nails or adhesives. Tugite is a technique to connect materials to augment the lack of length of available materials. Shiguchi is a technique to connect materials at an angle. With a firm basis in this tradition and the craftsmanship...

WoodWeaver: Fabricating curved objects without moulds or glue

design a single free-form curved surface and to fabricate it based on the bending deformation characteristics of the material. The system also indicates an invalid shape; that is, one that will break upon bending deformation. The user can then design a valid shape with this information. We also develop an optimal Dukta pattern that is the...

Customized Cork Façade

The propose paper presents an ongoing research which main goal is to use cork in a customized modular façade system. Cork is used due to its ecological value, renewable characteristic, insulation properties and aesthetic value. The modular system design is bio-inspired in the microscopic cork pattern and the study aims at reproducing in the...