Curve-Fit

The aim with Curve-Fit is to develop a lightweight timber structural frame by means of aggregating deployable modules which can be fabricated using easily accessible machinery while allowing geometrical freedom at an architectural scale. The production of geometrically customized components for free-form structures in the timber construction industry currently incurs high consumption of resources, compromising on the environmental advantage of using timber. Available technologies to produce components such as curved glulam and curved CLT require complex multi-step fabrication, molds or a high-energy input, and are inefficient to maneuver with during the construction phase. This thesis explores an alternative to produce geometrically versatile structures by the development of a novel structural frame system built from initially flat timber modules. Each module can be quickly deployed into a tri-dimensional state and assembled with other modules, creating a continuous network of vertical and horizontal load-bearing elements that can achieve various geometries and support conditions. By using widely available fabrication tools such as a 3-axis CNC machine, this system also investigates the simplification of production frameworks for curved timber components, while allowing their efficient transportation and storage. After the structure has been used, each module can be un-deployed for relocating the structure or its efficient deconstruction and potential repurposing of its components. Finally, it is proven with a 1:1 scale demonstrator that large-scale load-bearing structures can be built by aggregating bent active conoidal timber modules without compromising on the architectural freedom. With a simplified production framework, increased maneuverability during production and its capacity for relocation and repurposing, this system can potentially speed up construction and reduce resource consumption in the timber construction industry while contributing to circular economies.