TESTUDO | Parametric Canopy

TESTUDO DIGITAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION & ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE AND ENCLOSURE Benjamin Chong | Simon Rocknathan | Tay Boon Kiat | Teo Shao Tian | Zhuo Feiyan

CONCEPT Inspired by the shell of the tortoise, TESTUDO attempts to mimic the double-curved surface solely using slotted plywood panels. Our project exploits the shell’s strength and spatial qualities to create a robust and cozy canopy.

CODE This grasshopper code allows us to visualise our canopy structure and alter various parameters to achieve a desirable result. It also provides some aid when preparing for fabrication

CODE CONTINUATION

ITERATIONS 1:5 scale massing model

1:1 scale detail model

Modifications

Additional braces Improve slot intersections

Catenary curved structure

DRAWINGS

Top View

Front View

Side View

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

878

755

759

300

1594

759

2811

2000

582

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF CANOPY Utilising a catenary curve, we aim to redirect vertical loads into compression forces along the curve. This allows the loads to align with the wall bolts, transferring the forces to the wall.

TENSION

TENSION

COMPRESSION COMPRESSION

COMPRESSION

KARAMBA ANALYSIS OF MOUNT

Side View

Front View

Top View

Isometric View

DISPLACEMENT : 193MM

COMPONENT DIMENSIONS 01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

15

14

16

17

18

A1E B1E 5

A2 B2 200

A3 B3 A4 B4

10

A5E

6

50 209

176x

B5E

04

03 02

03 02

02

02 01

01

70

54

8x

32x

01

35

35

31

85

15x

31

31

39

93

67

26x

81

50x

85

26x

34

23

148

57

71

58

71

58

71

59

226

16x

54x

6x

28x

3x

13x

24x

02

03

04

FABRICATION CONSIDERATIONS

Every panel has unique identification

Bevel cut for slanted slots

Testing alignment of slots & braces

Wood glue for all joints

ASSEMBLY PROCESS

1

Connect sister panels together with small joints

2

Attach second row with large joints and brace

3

Repeat along the row, before starting the next row

4

Repeat Steps 1-3 for each row until complete

MOUNT DIMENSIONS

445

66 9

502

96

9

814

9 62

479

96

9

300

660

x2

x2

x2

MOUNTING PROCESS

1

Glue support arms to back panel

3 2

Secure support to canopy along support arms

Bolt through back panel to wall

RESULT RESULT

INTERLOCKING SLOTS Using no metal screws or joints, the structure is held together by slotting wood panels at specific angles, to create a structure which is able to hold itself together. Wood glue is used to further reinforce the joints.

FILLETED EDGES Filleting the external edges of the panels allow for easier placement of slotting pieces and to minimize sharp corners for safety. Filleting internal edges reducing load concentration at specific points, allowing for more evenly distributed forces.

DOUBLE CURVE STRUCTURE WITH CATENARY ARCH

Made from 487 individual wood pieces, the overall design allows for a stable canopy structure