This research project aims to develop breakthrough computational design, engineering and robotic fabrication methods together with a novel point-supported multi-story timber building system.
The Universal Timber Slab allows unprecedented parametric design flexibility in timber construction through pre-integrated generative design, engineering and fabrication tools.
The project also deploys AI-augmented support systems to facilitate a straight-forward design process with real-time performance feedback.
universally applicable
inherently independent of rectilinear ordering systems
universally reusable
point-supported, thin flat slab with long spans for long-term in-situ reusability
universally wood
soft-, hard-, reclaimed-wood hybrid for minimal use of steel and concrete
universally suppliable
highly material efficient for maximal living space per wood input
universally affordable
scalable computation and fabrication tech-stack for high disruption potential
universally accessible
AI-based design support platform for straightforward non-expert usability
Computational Design
Development of computational design methods for the slab system for generate all relevant geometries, incl. respective data for disciplinary models. Integration of disciplinary model feedback.
Team: Prof. Achim Menges, Martin Alvarez, Hans Jakob Wagner (ICD University of Stuttgart)
Structural Design
Development of computational structural design and simulation methods. Integration with design model to automate the simulation, detailing and dimensioning. Test, calibration and verification of simulation methods and model accuracy based on physical testing.
Team: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers, Gregor Neubauer, Renan Prandini (ITKE University of Stuttgart )
Robotic Fabrication
Development and testing of innovative, high-performance fabrication processes for slab segment pre-fabrication. This most importantly involves the investigation of fabrication strategies for lamination of wood lamellas with required quality and speed without a excessive pressing times. Fabrication of test specimen.
Team: Prof. Achim Menges, Tim Stark, Hans Jakob Wagner (ICD University of Stuttgart )
Mechanical Details + Tests
System testing, verification and simulation. Development of high resolution computational simulation methods for system details. Integration with design model to automate the simulation, detailing and dimensioning. Calibration and verification of simulation method and model accuracy based on physical testing.
Building Physics
Development, testing and implementation of strategies to enhance acoustic and building physics performance. Computational simulation and physical testing of acoustic and building physics qualities.
Team: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philip Leistner, Theresa Müller (IABP University of Stuttgart )
Building System Integration
Synthesis of system details and developments to ensure system integration and compatibility. Exploration of different system variations and their potentials in building construction and architectural design. Benchmarking of system variations and guidance of detail developments.
Team: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers, Gregor Neubauer, Renan Prandini (ITKE University of Stuttgart )
Prof. Achim Menges, Martin Alvarez, Hans Jakob Wagner (ICD University of Stuttgart )
Environmental Assessment
Parametric lifecycle modelling and assessment of potential environmental impacts throughout the lifecycle. Identification of opportunities for environmental improvement by exploring various scenarios for production processes, operational phases, and End-of-Life options for the product.
Team: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philip Leistner, Julia Weißert (IABP University of Stuttgart )
*presumed values
AI Decision Support
Development of a low-latency, AI-based intelligent decision support system for early design stages. Surrogate models are trained on benchmark data to predict the results of otherwise time-intensive disciplinary simulations. This enables an immediate design feedback during early design stages and provides design guidance to non-expert users.
Team: Prof. Dr. Thomas Wortmann, Markus Renner, Max Zorn (ICD/CA University of Stuttgart )
