From branch to fabrication: investigating natural tree bifurcation for structural node design
摘要
The demand for sustainable construction is increasing rapidly. This is largely due to the growing interest in timber as a renewable material. However, current industry practices still favor standard straight lumber, more often overlooking the fact that naturally occurring irregular timber is a valuable resource. These irregular wood elements, specifically tree bifurcations, have great potential as a basis for sustainable construction methods. This research addresses resource efficiency by harnessing the unique properties of angular timber elements (ATEs) through computational design methods. Using 3D scanning, the geometry and grain alignment of raw wood components were examined. Digital libraries were created to document key traits. Data from the material library were analyzed, along with various considerations for the fabrication and construction of such elements. These later drove the design process, which was reinforced with parametric methods and optimization techniques. This optimization, in turn, directly affected the configuration and geometry of the node structures and their bespoke nodes. Through sample studies on different structural typologies, such as wall-, tower-, ceiling-, and bridge-like configurations, the integration of these natural materials into node-based systems was examined. The findings highlight a method for aligning the material’s inherent characteristics with structural goals, aiming to balance robust load-bearing performance with design flexibility. This study demonstrates the feasibility of combining computational design with the variability of raw timber to reduce waste and promote sustainability, opening new avenues for architectural expression.