Digital Timber for Affordable Housing
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Architecture
Abstract
This research explores how engineered timber, already the most sustainable way of building, and a natural material that stores carbon in its cells as it grows, can improve the way we live through the design of sustainable, adaptable and flexible interiors for future living.
| Description | This project investigates the development of flexible interiors with engineered timber and digital tools for affordable housing in London. The research proposes the apartment as an open space with fixed services, where volumetric spaces or modules can be added or subtracted in accordance with occupants' needs. The modular structure is based on systems and components or "kit of parts" of glulam posts and beams, and cross laminated timber (CLT). The project has developed digitally fabricated interior partitions with engineered timber considering two types of flexibility and therefore two types of partitions: short term flexibility, where an apartment can change daily, and long-term flexibility, where an apartment can change over the course of years. Extensive experimentation with different kerf patterns, scales and densities and digital cutting tools allowed the achievement of diverse forms and foldability. The project demonstrates that digitally fabricated timber has the potential to create customised, sustainable, low-cost and flexible interior spaces for affordable housing. The DEP grant has assisted us in successfully developing this research. |
| Exploitation Route | In terms of product development, the team has received support from Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation office of Cambridge University. Cambridge Enterprise is preparing marketing material that will be released in September. Additionally, they have provided a mentor who is an expert in product development. The team is also joining the Cambridge Initiative iTeams where MBA students will work on the development of the product. |
| Sectors | Construction |
| URL | https://www.cnmi.org.uk/post/ephemeral-natural-flexible-living-at-london-design-biennale-2023 |
| Description | 'Ephemeral' proposes the apartment as an open space with fixed services, where residents can add or subtract moveable walls according to their needs. We investigate "soft flexibility", where residents customise their space organically. The ephemeral walls made with engineered timber and digital tools are affordable, modular, and sustainable, and can be placed anywhere within the apartment. The need for flexibility within housing coincides with the need to involve residents in design. Every human has a right to decent and affordable housing that has its own originality and character. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Construction,Creative Economy,Education,Government, Democracy and Justice,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Policy & public services |