Hygroflex: A Prototype of a Water-Responsive Facade System with an Innovative Integration of Timber and Biopolymer
摘要
This research presents a humidity-responsive facade fabricated using advanced techniques such as robotic 3D printing, CNC milled wood, and kerf application. Inspired by nature’s adaptability, exemplified by how pinecones respond to humidity levels, the concept of ‘animate materials’ like wood, which can adapt and respond to their environment, was explored. A circular manufacturing approach was adopted, utilizing CNC milling and robotic 3D printing. Sawdust, a by-product, was transformed with Chitosan-based hydrogel to create a 3D printable material. This material was laid down in three distinct layers, each serving a specific function and forming an active gradient layer that allows for kinetic motion. A material library was established to customize designs, aiming to create spaces that interact with local ecosystems and respond to environmental conditions. This approach challenges the conventional timber industry by introducing innovative materials for construction.