Structural Nodes from Composite Tree Bifurcations: Investigation and Development of an Adaptive Construction System from Naturally Grown Raw Wood Members

The growing demand for sustainable construction has intensified interest in timber as a renewable material. However, current industry practices favor standardized straight lumber, overlooking naturally occurring irregular timber as a resource. These irregular wood elements, specifically tree branch bifurcations, have the potential to develop sustainable structural systems. This research addresses resource efficiency by leveraging the unique properties of angular timber elements (ATEs) combined with computational design methods. The geometry and grain alignment of raw timber components are examined using 3D scanning to provide digital libraries documenting key properties. These libraries inform parametric design procedures, optimizing the geometric arrangement of 3D trusses based on data obtained from branch bifurcations. This optimization directly affects the configuration and geometry of structural nodes and joints. Through case studies on typologies such as walls, towers, ceilings, and bridges, the integration of these natural materials into node-based systems was examined. The findings highlight how the inherent characteristics of the material align with structural requirements, aiming for a balance between robust load-bearing performance and design flexibility. This study demonstrates the feasibility of combining computational design with raw timber variability to reduce waste and promote sustainability, opening new avenues for architectural expression.