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.
Publications
Gatoo A.
(2022)
Unfolding Timber: A future of design
in Proceedings of the International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe
Gatóo A
(2024)
Ephemeral walls for natural, flexible living
in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
Gatóo A.
(2021)
Digital timber: A future of affordable housing
in World Conference on Timber Engineering 2021, WCTE 2021
Koronaki A
(2021)
Prefabricated Engineered Timber Schools in the United Kingdom: Challenges and Opportunities
in Sustainability
| 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 |
| Description | Cambridge Festival of Ideas |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | we constructed a full-scale prototype of our partitions, which was showcased at the Cambridge Festival of Ideas. The public's feedback was largely positive, commending the system's aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, and functionality while expressing a strong desire for improved soundproofing. A survey conducted during the Festival of Ideas garnered valuable insights. 70% of respondents expressed a keen interest in adopting our system in their homes, with 50% indicating a willingness to undertake the fabrication process themselves if provided with guidance. Furthermore, 40% of participants favoured using these partitions on a short-term basis, while 30% preferred them for long-term use, and 20% expressed interest in both options. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Exhibition London Design Biennale |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We have developed a prototype and exhibited at the London Design Biennale in Somerset House June 2023, This exhibit highlighted the synergy between open-plan design, flexible partitions, and the potential ofengineered timber to shape the future of housing. We constructed and exhibited half of an apartment for 2 people, based on the London Plan, showcasing a structural kit of glulam columns, beams, and 27mm 3-ply panels. This apartment incorporated our innovative partitions, allowing visitors to appreciate their adaptability and functionality and interact with them. Our pavilion received Eureka's Public Choice Award, signifying its broad appeal. Additionally, we conducted a survey with 114 respondents, revealing that 76% expressed a desire to live in a house like our prototype, with 64% willing to fabricate the partitions themselves if provided with instructions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://londondesignbiennale.com |