Architecture Commons^™

Prototyping Of Composite Structural Envelopes Through Cnc And Robotic Fabrication, Chris Knapp, Jonathan Nelson

Jonathan J Nelson

The paper explores the results of a series of practice-based research investigations of full-scale building envelope prototypes generated from parametric design strategies. The work strives to achieve integration of structure and cladding using digital fabrication (CNC and multi-axis robot) techniques. The projects employ a range of sheet materials: principally plywood, plastics, and aluminium composite panels; and integrated architectural lighting and daylighting. Two key projects are discussed in detail: habitable pavilions which allow for investigation of fabrication, assembly, structural capacity, durability, and transport. Each project sets the goal of achieving doublecurvature, load-bearing surfaces. This is explored through either panelisation or tessellation …