Timber Structures Through Advanced Design Tools. The Reciprocalshell Project

The Reciprocal shell is a lightweight freeform structure, optimized for fabrication and assembly. The demonstrator investigates a new method for the digital design, fabrication and construction of timber grid shells made from simple, linear (non-curved) members. It addresses the challenge of parallel face offsetting in a triangulated surface with a catenary shaped cross-section. We solve this problem using a trivalent planar polygon topology, known from recent timber plate structure prototypes. Applying this method to a grid shell, we cross-braced each polygon using reciprocal nodes. The robotic fabrication process was optimized for a fast and simple assembly. The production process is completely carried out with only a saw blade, which allows for very fast and precise cuts. The demonstrator was built as part of an International Design and Build Workshop between Chalmers University of Technology and Augsburg University of Applied Sciences.