Loofahtecture Portfolio | RC7 | 2021-2022 Tutor:Group2: Richard Beckett Junjie Lyu: 21173002 Jinghui Wei: 21089205 Yuchen Qiu: 21100209
However, since the industrial revolution, the world's population has grown exponentially and industrialisation and urbanisation have rapidly modified the natural environment, leading to negative impacts such as the decline of biodiversity and the reduction of green spaces, while human exposure to microorganisms is mainly provided by plants and soils, i.e. green spaces, thus reducing the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in the human habitat. On the other hand, humans have long failed to properly understand the positive effects of microorganisms and the pursuit of "clean aesthetics" and "clean architecture", which has led to a modern architecture using various materials and design methods to create "sterile spaces ", which have been cut off from nature and have further deprived urban residents of healthy contact with microorganisms, thus negatively affecting human health and urban public health. It is therefore important to restore the microbiological diversity of the human habitat to create a healthier living environment. This project seeks to create a microbial-friendly architectural environment by exploring new building materials and design methods to transform architectural features into more microbial-friendly facilities.
INTRODUCTIONPROJECT
Loofah has the potential to be designed as a microbe-friendly building material due to its porosity, water absorption, lightweight, rigidity and environmental friendliness. A series of studies were conducted to understand loofah and to explore its potential for bioreceptivity and biofabrication by growing algae, and mycelium on the surface of the loofah and explore its possible uses. At the same time, computer technology was combined with the use of loofah in a series of experiments that could be applied to architectural design.
Humans live in an environment surrounded by and have co-evolved with a variety of microbiological communities. Microbiological communities are linked in a variety of ways to the various communities in the overall ecosystem, playing an important role and providing a variety of services that are beneficial to human health, particularly in terms of immunity and avoidance of infectious diseases. Human health is therefore closely linked to microbial diversity.
01 Background Research 382021Environment, health issues and solutions Material Referencesresearch 544644Initial Bio-ExperimentsTest 02 Material Experiments 14812211210098Solid LoofahFabricationDigitalFabricationExperimentsCombaination 03 Design & Fabrication - Surface 204178176FabricationComponent 04 Design & Fabrication - Volume 258242226224Digital PreliminaryExperimentsArchitectural Design Final Architectural Design 05 Architectural Proposal 30406 Annexure CONTENTS
RESEARCHBACKGROUND
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Andrew W. Brooks, Microbiome Introduction — VMI Bootcamp II 1.0 documentation ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS | CHAPTER 1 | Urbanisation and resistance to microbes have led to a decline in the number and diversity of microorganisms in modern living environments, leading to a range of health problems. This project seeks to explore new materials and design methods to explore an architectural approach that can restore microbial enrichment. 2 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 3
Humans are surrounded by ubiquitous microorganisms of primarily natural origin, and the microorganisms of a rich and diverse environment are beneficial to the human immune system and health. However, industrialisation and urbanisation have led to a reduction in urban green spaces, thereby reducing microbial diversity and increasing the risk of disease for urban residents.
Importance of Microorganisms
Humans are exposed to microbes from a variety of environmental sources including the soil, water (standing water and rainfall), air and plants.
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decompositionMicrobialRespiration MethanogenesisRespiration Remineralization Remineralization biomassMicrobialbiomassMicrobial CO₂ CO₂ CO₂ Very fast Very slow CO₂ CH₄ productionprimaryMicrobial - Acidification - Mixing - Light - Heat - Wind - Rain PhotosynthesisSoilRainHeatLighttyprDeposition DetritivoresdecompositionMicrobial Coral exudateRoot Dead LeaveswoodScrubSemiarid region Forest Wetland Grassland EstuaryMangroves LakesAgriculturePermafrostIndustryTundra Peat Sea ice PhoticDeep-seazone benthos fuelsFossil OMZ Microorganisms play an important role in the ecological cycle. | BACKGROUND RESEARCH |
The
AerobiomeOtherFungiBacteria
Percentage of green and blue urban areas. (source from Environment and health, 2013)
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH |
Rural RuralUrban Location
Outcomes of the systematic review: the count of studies finding aerobiome abundance or diversity higher in rural, urban or neither location. Studies were marked as NQ (not quantified) if they did not report on the given metric. Urban-rural differences are starred if they were significantly (α = 0.05) different according to a Pearson's chi squared test. (source from Urbanisation Reduces the Abundance and Diversity of Airborne Microbes, 2020)
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Low Urban Green Space Rates and Microbial Biodiversity Decline 101550
6 7
More abundant in Greater diversity in UrbanNeither NeitherNQ NQ
The Main Materials That Make up a Modern City Urbanisation has led to a dramatic change in the urban landscape in a very short time, with clusters of buildings made of concrete, glass and steel, but these materials are not conducive to microbial survival and have led to a degradation of microbial diversity.
GLASSSTEELCONCRETE Photos of New York 8 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 9
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH | Modern
Humans Want to Live in " Germ-free Spaces " For a long time mankind has only recognised the negative effects of microorganisms and not their importance for ecology and health, so humans have always wanted to live in "germ-free" and "clean" buildings. "Clean Architecture" Refuses Microorganisms
Relationship between Microbial Exposure and the Probability of Asthma. In both the PARSIFAL study and GABRIELA, the range of microbial exposure was inversely associated with the probability of asthma. (source from Exposure to Environmental Microorganisms and Childhood Asthma, 2011)
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH | Decline of Microorganisms Causes Health Problems
Multiple SclerosisInflammatory Bowel Disease Asthma Allergyies Cancer Mental Health 10 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 11
Declining microorganism populations and reduced diversity may cause a variety of diseases.
Green Roof and FacadeThe Absence of Nature in Architecture Green Never Enter the Building 12 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 13 | BACKGROUND RESEARCH | The Solution: Consider the Importance of Microorganisms in Architecture
“Currently we try to exclude other species [in buildings],” Krueger says. “Then, we go camping on the weekend in 'nature’ because we feel renewed by the contact with the species we have eliminated.” Instead, architects should develop multi-scale, multi-species design criteria that enable us to co-exist with other organisms.
Microorganisms can do much more than we think; they can repair building materials, fight disease and perpetuate ecological conditions.
Architects should develop multi-scale, multi-species design standards that allow us to co-exist with other organisms. Perhaps house microecologies will be designed through the selection of materials, conditions, spatial configurations, and inoculations.
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH | The Solution: Consider the Importance of Microorganisms in Architecture Microorganisms Cryptogam Phycophyta Fungus Material Building Biodiversity 14 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 15
The centre of a future building should be a bio-hearth, a place rich in microorganisms, as the basis for creating healthy living conditions for humans.
16 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 17 | BACKGROUND RESEARCH | The Solution: Consider the Importance of Microorganisms in Architecture
Bio-hearth
The Growing Pavilion Pascal Leboucq, Krown-design and Company New Heroes It is a temporary events space for Dutch Design Week, constructed from panels growns from mushroom mycelium supported on a timber frame, which can be removed and repurposed as required.
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| BACKGROUND RESEARCH | Research of Living Materials
ARCHITECTURAL BARK Marcos Cruz and Richard ByBeckettstudying biocolonisation and bioreceptivity, designers have placed buildingenvironmentallymaterialcryptophytesmicroorganisms,inthebuildingtocreateanewsustainableskin.
MATERIAL RESEARCH 2 Loofah, a natural fibre sponge material, was chosen as a new material to be explored. And its characteristics, sustainability, accessibility, physical properties and the possibility of combining with microorganisms were researched.
|
| CHAPTER
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The Various Maturation Stages of Luffa Gourds What is Loofah Usage 22 RC7 Loofahtecture -
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(D) is the ideal time to pick. When it’s completely dry and you can hear seeds rattling inside.
1.Growing lucerne correctly and waiting for it
What is Loofah Loofah is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). The loofah, also spelled luffa, usually refers to the fruits of the species Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula. When the fruit is fully ripened, it is very fibrous. (Figure 1)
As Food: It is cultivated and eaten as a vegetable, but must be harvested at a young stage of development to be edible. The vegetable is popular in India, China and Vietnam. (Figure 2&3)
(A) is immature with spongey flesh inside (B) is lighter in colour and weight which helps you know it may have developed fibres.
2.Leave the fruit to turn brown and dry out on the vine. When they have, use a pair of secateurs to harvest the fruit.
As Sponge: The fully developed fruit is the source of the loofah scrubbing sponge which is used in bathrooms and kitchens. (Figure 4&5) Method of Making Loofah
| UCL
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH |
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(C) luffa is well on its way to drying out and will definitely have a luffa sponge inside.
3.Peel the tough exterior skin away to reveal the fibrous interior - this is the loofah spongeand shake out the seeds.
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH | Sustainability of Loofah Storage Conditions
Loofah photo
Growth Conditions Loofah photos 24 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 25
Water: Loofah likes wet, afraid of drought.
Loofah is a temperatureloving and heat-tolerant crop, and the temperature suitable for the growth and development of loofah is 20-30°C.
It needs to be stored in a dry environment, easy to compress and restore its shape when exposed to water, which is convenient for transportation.It needs to be stored in a dry environment, easy to compress and restore its shape when exposed to water, which is convenient for transportation.
Sunlight: Loofah is a short-day crop, prefers strong sunlight, and is more resistant to low Temperature:light.
Soil: Loofah is a vegetable crop with strong adaptability and not strict soil requirements, and can be planted in various soils.
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH |
Production Area Primary SecondaryChokepointChokepoint Main Shipping Routes Secondary Shipping Routes Distribution Area 26 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 27
Sustainability of Loofah Loofah, originally from India, mainly distributed in temperate and tropical regions of the world. Transportation Due to the gradual development of the maritime transportation industry, the main producing countries are now able to transport the loofah by sea to all parts of the world.
The yield of loofah per mu is about 1500-3500kg, ranging from 30-40 days from sowing to harvesting. Generally, the length of mature loofah is 40-60cm and the diameter is 5-6cm. Different varieties of loofah have different sizes. Extra Long Smooth loofah is a new variety of loofah produced in the United States. Compared with ordinary loofah, it is more cold-tolerant. Each plant can bear 15 fruits, and the fruit can be as long as 3 feet long. Because loofah is fond of light and cannot resist cold, in northern China, greenhouse planting technology has been gradually improved. Through greenhouse technology, the occurrence of diseases and insect pests can be effectively reduced, and the maturity date of loofah can be shortened. There are no geographical restrictions on loofah cultivation.
Loofah greenhouse planting Loofah Planting
28 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 29 Productivity | BACKGROUND RESEARCH |
Force–displacement curves of specimens of similar density (source from Mechanical properties of luffa sponge, 2012)
Architecture Physical Properties 30 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 31
Reality of Loofah as a Biomaterial for
Compare Luffa sponge with other natural materials (source from Mechanical properties of luffa sponge, 2012)
In comparison with the strength of light weight concrete, this composite of material not only keep the equal performance of strength, but also possess the compressive and tensile properties. The graph below shows that its low density but the similar performance of energy dissipation with aluminum foams.
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH |
By hand pressing, the flat one can be pressed to 1-2 cm. Then also put it into a mould to keep the flat statement and glue with bioresin.
The line graphs illustrate the performances of strain among different materials. The highest points show its break.
Source from Reinforced Unites: Luffa, 2014
Reality of Loofah as
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a Biomaterial for Architecture | BACKGROUND RESEARCH | Tension Tests and Compression Tests
The strain of one layer pure Luffa is around 625 N. However, the strain of one layer Luffa with bio-resin is 1110N.
(B) SEM images showing the 3D porous structure and internal channels of the evaporator.
the Loofah-based Evaporator Porosity 34 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 35
Reality of Loofah as a Biomaterial for Architecture storage of moisture
(A) Photographs showing the geometrical features of the loofah sponge.
Figure Morphological and Structural
•Provides plenty of space for microorganisms to attach
(C) SEM images showing the crosssectional view of a loofah fiber, which illustrate the multimicrochannel structure inside the fiber.
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH | •Easy
Experiments have shown that filamentous and microalgae, fungi, bacteria, yeast, higher plants as well as human and rat hepatocytes can be immobilised in lucerne sponges. Cells immobilised in loofah sponges performed better than freely suspended cells and cells immobilised in conventionally used natural and synthetic polymeric materials for the production of ethanol, organic acids, enzymes and secondary metabolites.
Photo of loofa structure Characterization of
(D and E) SEM images showing the channel structure at different magnifications. (F and G) Along-channel SEM images showing interlaced channels at different magnifications. (source from ‘Antifouling’ Porous Loofahs Sponge with Internal Microchannels as Solar Absorbers and Water Pumpers for Thermal Desalination, 2020)
Loofa Sponge Discs (a) naked, (b) covered with unicellular alga Chlorella sorokiniana, (c)andcovered with hyphae of fungus P. chrysosporium; and electron micrographs (d) reticulated fibrous network covered with immobilized C. sorokiniana, (e) high resolution of (d), (f) consortium of filamentous and unicellular algae. (source from Loofa (Luffa cylindrica) sponge: Review of development of the biomatrix as a tool for biotechnological applications, 2013) Surface Morphology of Loofah AgeyptiacaMain Applications 36 AD RC7 Loofahtecture
(a–d) before cells attachment; (e–h) After cells attachment. (source from Production of bacterial cellulose using Gluconacetobacter kombuchae immobilized on Luffa aegyptiaca support, 2021)
Reality of Loofah as a Biomaterial for Architecture
(1) It is mainly used to immobilise fungi and microorganisms to adsorb metal particles, dyes, etc. for use in sewage treatment, etc.; (2) it can also be used in biological production processes such as ethanol. (3)Its ability to be used as a biological medium for immobilisation of animal and plant cells is also being explored.
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH |
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Some cases of innovation in material and construction using the properties of loofah that go beyond its general usage.
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REFERENCES | CHAPTER 3 |
Green Charcoal Shreyas More and Meenal TheSutarianatural composite mixture of Green Carbon consists of soil, aggregates and cement. A key component of this performance-based material is organic loofah and charcoal. New Applications of LUFFALoofahLAB Mauricio Affonso 1-3 Photographs of Luffa Lab 4 Luffa Splint 5 Product Packaging 6 INDIGO Acoustic Tiles | BACKGROUND RESEARCH | 40 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 41
Applications to Construction "PROBIOTIC"
The Lving Studio The Living developed a pavilion for the Venice Architecture Biennale to demonstrate how organic materials with microbial properties could be used in architecture to help create healthier environmentsforhumans.
Sustainable and Recyclable Housing Made From Loofahs Elsa Zaldívar In collaboration with an industrial engineer, Elsa has developed a cheap, lightweight and flexible building material made from recycled plastic and agricultural fibres, such as loofah.
ARCHITECTURALPAVILION
| BACKGROUND RESEARCH | 42 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 43
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EXPERIMENTSMATERIAL
02
As a plant material, loofah has many uses in people's daily life. In order to explore how loofah can be utilized as a building material, we still need to test it a lot. The first step in the experiment was to make initial contact with the loofah to test its basic physical properties. Experiments included cutting, pressing, and soaking in water.
INITIAL TEST | CHAPTER 1 | 46 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 47
Loofah is not easy to cut, but after soaking in water, it will make it soft and easier to cut. After cutting the loofah vertically, we can see the complicated pipe and network structure in the middle
Section 1 DecompositionCore 48 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 49
The first test we did with the loofah was to cut it straight with a knife. Loofah is a relatively hard material, and its dense internal structural network makes it resistant to compression and torsion. Even cutting with a knife requires some force. The incision is relatively flat and the resistance is moderate.
| MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | Initial Test
The cross-section of the loofah and the vertical pillars inside.
| MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | Hit and Compress
Different parts of loofah slices after beating. 50 AD RC7 Loofahtecture
Tool: Hammer; Method: Beat
The fibers of the loofah flesh become flat and dense in the direction of the beating.
Wedeformations.triedtoput the beaten loofah slices in water, and after a few seconds, the slices almost returned to their original shape. This shows that simply squeezing the loofah can’t make it last long time.
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From left to right: flakes after beating, flakes after recovery from soaking, untreated loofah It can be seen that the luffa flesh slices after soaking in water cannot be 100% restored to their original state, and there are still some
The second experiment we did with the loofah was to hit it with a hammer to bring it into a compressed state. In this state, it can be observed that the loofah will become very thin, which shows that the loofah has a strong moldable shape.
| MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | Soak in Water 52 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 53
Drip water on the slices of loofah, the parts in contact with the water will swellSoak the loofah in pure water at room temperature
not absorb a lot of water, only a small amount of water can be squeezed out
After experiments, water at different temperatures has the same effect on loofah flesh
The third experiment we did with the loofah was to soak it in water. After dozens of seconds of soaking, the loofah will become a softer state, and it will be softer if it continues to soak, but it will basically remain in a state. We soaked the compressed sheet loofah in water again and found that it quickly returned to its original state, which shows that the plasticity and water absorption of loofah are opposite.
The loofah flesh becomes soft after soaking in water, but it rebounds immediately after applying
Loofahpressuredoes
| CHAPTER
BIO-EXPERIMENTS 2 | In order to verify and further explore the possibility of loofah as a building material that can co-exist with microorganisms, algae and mycelium were selected for this project to combine with it and carry out a series of experiments in terms of both bioreceptivity and biofabrication.
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Growing Conditions for Algae
Bioreceptivity: Planting Algae on the Surface | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | Advantages
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Can purify the air. Grow fast. Hydroponics. Algae are aquatic organisms capable of photosynthesis. Algae known to man are seaweed (such as kelp or phytoplankton), pond scum or algal blooms in lakes. However, there is a large and diverse world of algae in our natural environment that are not only helpful to us, but vital to our survival.
NutritionSunlight WaterAir of Algae
3 The second day put the loofah into a container and add the nutrients again.
Step 1 Place Chlorella Sorokiniana and nutrients into containers in proportion.
2 turn on the air pump and light.
Tools Containers for Growing Algae UV Light Lamp Loofah Bioreceptivity: Planting Algae on the Surface | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | 58 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 59
The 11th day. The 16th day.The 3rd day: there is already some algae attached to the loofah. The 4th day.
60 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 61 Bioreceptivity: Planting Algae on the Surface | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
The 1st day: transfer the original algae to a larger container and add some nutrients Planting Algae on the
Transfer to a Larger Panel to Continue
The 6th day: algae growth in good condition.
The 4th day: algae gradually cover the whole panel.
Planting
Bioreceptivity:
Surface | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | 62 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 63
Production Process 64 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 65 Bioreceptivity: Planting Grass | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
Photos Day 1 Day 9
We tried planting grass on the surface of the loofah to test whether the grass roots could penetrate the pores of the loofah to combine the loofah with the grass. The results showed that the grass roots could easily penetrate the pores of the loofah and grab the loofah.
Step 1 Soil Step 2 Loofah Step 4 SoilStep 3 Seed
Grass roots and loofah Day 3 Day 5 66 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 67 Bioreceptivity: Planting Grass | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
We tried planting grass on the surface of the loofah to test whether the grass roots could penetrate the pores of the loofah to combine the loofah with the grass. The results showed that the grass roots could easily penetrate the pores of the loofah and grab the loofah.
SeedSoilSoil Step 1 Place Panel Step 2 Pour Soil Step 3 Place Seeds Step 4 Pour Soil Steps
Production Process Raw Materials LOOFAH PANEL MOULD SOIL SEED 68 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 69 Bioreceptivity: Planting Grass | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
Grass and loofah Day 1 Day 6 Day 8 70 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 71 Bioreceptivity:Photos Planting Grass | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
Grass and loofahGrass roots and loofah 72 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 73 Bioreceptivity:Photos Planting Grass | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
SeedSoilSoil Day 1 Day 6 Day 8 Step 1 Place Panel Step 2 Pour Soil Step 3 Place Seeds Step 4 Pour Soil 74 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 75 PhotosProduction Bioreceptivity:ProcessPlanting Grass | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | Steps
Grass and loofah Grass roots and loofah 76 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 77 Bioreceptivity: Planting Grass | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
Production Process Type 1 Cement 1 and water and sand ratio: 3:2:11 Cement 2 and water and sand ratio: 6:4:8
Type 3 Cement 1 and water and sand ratio: 19:10:24
By testing the ratio of cement, water and sand in different concretes, we try to find a cement block that is suitable for the combination of grass and loofah, and then try different grass planting positions. The results show that the location of planting grass is the key to good bonding, and the ratio of cement to water mainly determines the different strengths of the bricks.
Weight:Hardness:Porosity: Type 2 Cement 1 and water and sand ratio: 19:10:24 Cement 2 and water and sand ratio: 3:2:7
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Bioreceptivity: Grass and Concrete
Weight:Hardness:Porosity:
Weight:Hardness:Porosity: 78 RC7 Loofahtecture
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Type 1 In type 2, where the grass and the loofah were combined, the grass roots grew into the gap of the loofah.
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Type 3 Process Grass and Concrete
Production
In type 1, the grass and loofah were not combined, the grass only grew loosely on the surface of the soil.
Type 2 In type 3, the grass roots not only combined with the loofah, but also tried to grow into the gaps in the concrete.
Living Bricks photos from Living Bricks
Petrochemical extraction Foam expansion Mycelium Agricultural waste Mushroom Conventionalinsulationinsulation Mushroom Bricks Mushroom Bricks Fabrication FabricationAll Natural and Sustainable 82 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 83 Why Mycelium | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
3
Mycelium is the mass of branched fibers making up a fungus. It is a safe, strong, and biodegradable material with a wide range of uses. However, unlike plastics and other synthetic materials – which can take hundreds of years to decompose – mycelium-based products naturally degrade after their intended product cycle.
Below the surface, mushrooms grow hyphae that form an intricate network that acts like glue to hold the substrate together and transform into a solid mass. These substrates can be waste residues. The Living Bricks project proposes the concept of "biowelding", using mycelium to enable bricks to selfassemble and bond with each other. Mycelium can act as mortar.
SADT-Scheme of Mycelium-based Material Production Process
Photo
of mycelium (source from Shell Mycelium Pavillion / BEETLES 3.3 and Yassin Areddia Designs. Image © Krishna & Govind Raja, 2020) Create substrate Inoculate substrateSterilize substrate Grow myceliumStop growingSuface finishes substrate culture procedure clean roomtoolsmold oven recipe pressure disinfectantcookergloves coating CO2 lightmoisturesourcesourcesource pressuredurationtemperaturepressuredurationtemperature fungal conditionsgrowingculturesubstratespeciestoration • Efficient insulation performance • Natural self-extinguishing • Air purification • Waste consumption • Dense structure Advantages of Mycelium 84 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 85 Biofabrication: Combined with Mycelium | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
The 8th day. •Group A: Growing mycelial mixes directly from the mould 1 Loofah standard mould + loofah substrate + flour + mushrooms 2 standard mould of loofah coated with salicylic acid + loofah substrate + flour + mushrooms (control the mycelium from growing onto the front of the mould) •Group B: Growing mycelium using loofahs first 3 Loofah substrate + flour + mushrooms 4 Loofah substrate + flour + mushroom roots (try to speed up planting) Production process. Experimental Design 86 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 87 Biofabrication: Combined with Mycelium | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
88 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 89 Biofabrication: Combined with Mycelium | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS |
The 8th day: photos of the mixture.
The 17th day: however, experiments have shown that the experiments are highly susceptible to contamination and that microorganisms other than mycelium are growing in the moulds.
experiments. Matrix 1Test 1 Day 1 - Day 3: Mold 1 Day 3 - Day 6: Mold 2 MoldMold12 90 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 91 | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | Biofabrication: Combined with Mycelium
We hope that the mycelium and the loofah can be perfectly combined. Through two different loofah-shaped molds, we leave space for loofah, and replace the mold the mycelium to a certain extent. In addition, different growth substrates determine the firmness of the mycelial so we tried three different
grows
final
mass,
BrokenCardboardmyceliumshreds Raw Materials Photos Day 3 Day 6
after
Top Frontviewview
Photos: One week Later
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After a week, the mycelium and the loofah are fully combined, and after drying at high temperature we got the mycelium block.
Drying time: 2h (Oven 80 degrees) Hardness: 92
Final effect
Production Process Acrylic mold 94 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 95 | MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS | Biofabrication: Combined with Mycelium
Loofah 4 ofpiecesacrylic Cover Broken mycelium Broken mycelium Broken paper Loofah crushed Matrix 2 Matrix 3
In order to simplify the production method and keep the mycelium absolutely clean, the loofah was placed at the bottom of the mold first, and use the paper scraps and the loofah crushed as the substrate for experiments.
Photos:
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ByHardness:comparison, the samples with paper shreds as the growth substrate have the highest hardness and better bonding. One week Later
Test Drying3 time: 2h (Oven 80 degrees) Hardness: Test Drying2 time: 2h (Oven 80 degrees)
03 DESIGN & -SURFACEFABRICATION 98 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 99
Since the hardness of the loofah itself cannot meet the needs of building materials, we try to combine the concrete with the loofah, through different combination methods, (for example: combining with the original loofah shape, combining with multiple loofah modules, and pouring the loofah itself interspersed with concrete, etc. .) test yields different results.
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Drying time: > 30min Cement and water ratio: 2.5:1 Hardness:
Production Process watercementLoofah Scissors
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
The first step is to cut the loofah flesh longitudinally and squeeze it. Try to put it into the prepared mold. Squeezing the loofah flesh will increase its own hardness. Mix the cement and water in a ratio of 1:2 and pour it into the mold, so that the loofah flesh is fully combined with the cement, and let it stand for more than eight hours.
In order to increase the self-hardness of the loofah, we tried to combine cement and loofah to conduct experiments to verify whether the fine mixture of cement could better combine with the loofah and achieve usable strength. Mix the cement powder and water in a certain proportion, pour it into the mold with the loofah, and wait for it to dry and form. Mold size: 130 × 100 × 10 mm 102
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Test 1
Side view
Test 1 Photos 104 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 105 Combined with Concrete | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Side Frontviewview Right view From the experimental results, the cement can penetrate into the loofah flesh better. Since the proportion of cement to water cannot be well controlled, the hardness of the formed loofah bricks cannot meet the requirements, and it drops a lot of debris.
Step 2: Single ConponentStep 1: Cut Conponent 2 Step 4: Loofah + ConcreteStep 3: CombinationStep 2: Single ConponentStep 1: Cut Conponent 1 Test 2 Step 4: Loofah + ConcreteStep 3: Combination After that, we tried adding concrete to the container made of loofah, and by changing the proportion of water in the concrete, we kept the pores on one side of the loofah. Due to the interspersed structure of the loofah itself, this method can make the loofah and the loofah be firmly combined. Drying time: > 30min Cement and water ratio: 2:1 Hardness: Mold Conponentsize: 1: 70 × 50 × 50 mm Conponent 2: 90 × 50 × 50 mm 106 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 107 Cross Combination | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
(A) (A) (A)(B) (B) Step 1: Cut loofah Step 2: Make a hole Step 2: Make a hole Step 3: Connect with rope Step 3: Connect with rope Type A Type B Test Single3 Unit Through further research on the structure of the loofah, we tried a new method to combine the loofah flesh in a regular way, cut the cylinder of the loofah itself and connect it with cotton threads, and try to connect different pieces each time. 108 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 109 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Test 3 Photos Top Frontviewview COTTON THREAD CEMENTWATER Mold Production CombinedProcesswith Concrete Drying time: > 2h Cement and water ratio: 2.5:1 Hardness:
Mold size: 110 × 100 × 50 mm 110 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 111 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Concrete is poured on the back of the connected loofah. This method not only allows for a larger volume, but also fully retains the porosity on the surface of the loofah. In terms of hardness, it shows stronger properties than the first two methods.
Based on the study of different units and different combinations, we try to build a more in-depth model. In addition, we hope that the plane made of silk can grow in multiple directions, so we try to splicing different modules, and gradually expand the scope, so that the loofah grows freely.
112 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 113 LOOFAH COMBAINATION | CHAPTER 2 |
Junction With the special characteristics of the loofah itself, which deforms in contact with water, we obtained many different modules by bending the loofah. These modules are all composed of a 100*120mm loofah plane, by connecting one or two points on both sides.
114 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 115 Loofah Combaination | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
(E)(E)(D) (K)(K)(J) Module (H)(A) (B) (C)(I)(I)
Inspired by the Alive project, we tried to use only the loofah itself for assembling experiments, and tried to use its special vertical structure to combine many loofahs into a relatively strong group.
3. We tried the different uses of the string and the stapler, used different tools in different parts, and finally made a larger overall model Experimental materials: loofah, string, stapler
116 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 117 Loofah Combaination | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Experimental method: soaking in water, binding, and nailing
2. We repeat the steps of the first step to form a group, but at the same time pay attention to the connection between the module and the module
1. We knead a single loofah into two diamond shapes, tie the middle of the loofah with a string, thus forming the first monomer
Initial photo
Initial panel photos Since the loofah was soaked in water before being used for experiments, whether the pore performance is affected still needs to be analyzed. Judging from the current results, the overall model is not very sturdy, but it can bear a certain weight, thanks to the vertical structure of the loofah. If this model is to be used as a building material, its longitudinal stability needs to be enhanced.
panel
118 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 119 Initial Panel | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Step
We spliced the modules in a regular way. By splicing these modules, different panels will be produced. The splicing of different modules will also produce different results, and the location of the connection points is crucial.
Type with quantity:
120 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 121 Loofah Combaination | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
2:
same modules Loofah
Type Combin with quantity: quantity:
different modules Loofah
3: Connect different modules Loofah quantity: 3 Step 4: Form panel Loofah quantity: 4 Module Combination
2
1: Combin
28 Connection joint Structural direction Step 1: Single module Loofah quantity: 1 Step 2: Connect single modules Loofah
19
On the basis of manual experiments, we performed some computational designs. Due to the limitation of the size of the loofah, we need more transformations from 2D to 3D. The porous side of a loofah needs to be exposed to receive more microbes. At the same time, we will try to show more pattern combinations on the facade.
DIGITAL EXPERIMENTS | CHAPTER 3 | 122 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 123
First we try to use the wasp plugin in grasshopper. This plugin can help us quickly generate random loofah monomer combination results. As long as the starting point and line segment are set, a random pattern can be generated within the specified area. The disadvantage of this method is that it is too random and lacks logic. Wasp in Grasshopper
| DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Wasp Test 124 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 125 Wasp Test 1 Wasp Test 2
Single Units
Random Combination 1 Random Combination 2
First step| Single panel First step| Multiple panels Second step| Single panel Second step| Multiple panels Process: Points to Line Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Generation Method With the shortest path we control the connection between the start and end points of the panel, it can quickly and randomly generate different combinations, after which we use polywire and extruded boards to generate the final result. AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 127126 Shortest Path in Houdini | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Loofah Wall: Half Loofah Half Frame Rendering: Back ViewRendering: Front View 128 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 129 Shortest Path Wall | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
130 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 131 Style Transfer Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Machine Learning | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
After studying the similarity between the shortest path and our loofah pattern, we used Houdini's rain to simulate raindrops hitting the panel to get the shortest path to leave the panel, make a bump panel, and then generate a large number of different panels according to the timeline . We tried style transfer using these panels to transfer the features of the style image to the input image, and the results confirmed that our loofah panel can be obtained by the shortest path.
132 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 133 Timeline Render Output Machine Learning | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Input Image Input ImageOutput Image Output Image Style Image Input and Output Input Image Output Image Output Image 134 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 135 Machine Learning | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Through further study on rain simulation and machine learning, we introduce a real-scale loofah panel for simulated pattern generation. After a series of experiments we finally settled on a version of the panel pattern and handcrafted it. Style Large-scale Test OutputInput 136 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 137 Machine Learning | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
138 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 139 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE | Photo
(A) (A) (A) (A) (B) (B) (B) (B)(E) (E) (K)(E) (K) (K) (H)(I)(I) (I) (A) (A)(A) (A) (B) (B)(B)(E) (H)(K)(E) (I) (I) Type 3 Size: 290 × 880 ( mm ) Type 7 Size: 290 × 770 ( mm ) Type 4 Size: 290 × 770 ( mm ) Type 8 Size: 290 × 770 ( mm ) Type 1 Size: 290 × 880 ( mm ) Type 5 Size: 320 × 825 ( mm ) Type 2 Size: 290 × 880 ( mm ) Type 6 Size: 290 × 770 ( mm ) Panels The loofah module can produce a variety of different panel patterns through different splicing methods. 140 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 141 Different Panels | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Soak the loofah in water to soften it and punch holes where it needs to be connected. Use cotton thread to pass through the holes and pull it tight. After the water in the loofah evaporates, it will automatically set and become firm, we made the loofah panel in this way.
Panel Size: 1320 × 290 mm 142 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 143 Handmade Panels | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Showing scale photos WATER COTTON THREAD SCISSORS HOLE PUNCH Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Production Process
Showing scale photosDifferent Combination photos Photos 144 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 145 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
146 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 147 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
FABRICATION | CHAPTER 4 | 148 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 149
According to the distribution of different modules of loofah, the loofah panel can be bent into a certain angle, try to fix and shape the bent loofah panel to make it form an arch.
TwistTwist43
Twist 1 Twist 2 150 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 151 2D to 3D | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
After trying many ways to combine panels on a flat surface, we started bending and twisting the loofah panel. Due to the softness of loofah after soaking in water, we can easily bend the panel to different angles. This shows that the loofah panel has the potential to go from 2D to 3D.
Using rhinovault to control the height of the arch by controlling the angle of the plane, the arch formed in this way has a natural curvature and reduces a lot of modeling work.
152 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 153 Rhinovault | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Height 5 Top RightviewviewHeight 1 Height 3 Height 2 Height 4 Generation Method
1:
Step 1: Bend plane Step Bend plane Step Bend plane Step 2: loofah Step 2: loofah Step 2: loofah
Extracted the flattened surface, covered the surface with loofah monomer, and then let the loofah plate flow along the surface to generate a three-dimensional loofah plate.
After the wall design experiment, we carried out the three-dimensional design of the loofah board. First, use the rhino vault plugin in rhino to generate the vault according to mechanics, and then divide it into three parts: vault, left and right Extractedcolumns.theflattened surface, covered the surface with loofah monomer, and then let the loofah plate flow along the surface to generate a three-dimensional loofah plate.
154 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 155 Different ModulesGeneration Method Loofah Arch | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Attach the
1:
Attach the
RightLeftTop
Top Model
Type1 (A)(K)(B) Type3Type2
Attach the
Type 3 Type 4Type 1 Type 2 Different Types
LoofahStability:quantity: 311 LoofahStability:quantity: 347
LoofahStability:coherence.quantity:
In the process of designing the three-dimensional loofah arch, we combine different arch shapes and patterns of loofah panels to come up with various types. The bottom of the arch of type1 is the widest, and the difference from type2 is that different patterns are used in the vault. The vault pattern of type2 is symmetrical, which conforms to the force law of the top of the arch; type3 and 4 further optimize the sides of the arch, making the entire arch more 320 LoofahStability:quantity: 343
156 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 157 Loofah Arch | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Arch Rendering Type 5 Different Types
158 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 159 Loofah Arch | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
LoofahStability:quantity: 305 After comparison, we choose type5 as the optimal solution, because in this type of panel, we use additional monomers to fill the protruding gaps of the loofah monomers, which further enhances the coherence of the arch, and improves the stability and aesthetics. It is better than the other four in terms of performance, and does not cause material waste while maintaining the stability of the arch.
a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b
(C)(B)(A)
high : 218mm high : 135mm/156mm high : 156mm/135mm high : 344mm high : 113mm high : 113mm Process We used perforated boards and wooden strips to form a stand that had full control over the tiled loofah board above, and then put plaster on it for curing. These steps are simulated in rhino, using wooden strips of different heights to control the curvature of the loofah panels.
(C)(B)(A)high : 531mm high : 181mm high : 181mm
160 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 161 Loofah Arch | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
a b a b a b LeftRightTop Process Model Photo a = 1171mm b = 600mmPanel Bend the panel and fix it on the perforated plate through the bracket to keep the shape. The three parts of the arch are fixed with brackets of different lengths, using the same method. Bend 162 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 163 Loofah Arch | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
WATER PLASTER FIBERGLASS MESH TAPE GLOVES (B)(A) (C) Production Process A. Put plaster powder in water B. Mix water and plaster C. Put the fiberglass mesh belt in D. Lay the fiberglass mesh tape on the surface of the loofah E&F. Covered with gaps Mix water and plaster in proportion, stir by hand, fully soak the fiberglass mesh tape in the plaster water, and then spread it layer by layer on the back of the loofah panel with a fixed curvature. After standing to dry, we got a solid loofah arch. 164 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 165 Loofah Arch | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Mycelium is used as a replacement for gypsum in the next experiments. We used perforated boards and wooden strips to form a stand that had full control over the tiled loofah board above, and then put plaster on it for curing. These steps are simulated in rhino, using wooden strips of different heights to control the curvature of the loofah panels.
Next Step :reinforcingloofah p anels withMyceliuminst e a d o f plretsaJunction of loofah and plaster Model Details (B)(A) (C) A. Arch curve edge detail B. Detail of the left corner of the arch C. Detail of the joint of loofah and plaster
166 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 167 Loofah Arch | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Loofah Arch Arch Photo 2Arch Photo 1 168 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 169 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
Step Line Step 2: Surface
Step Process Step Flatten Step Flow surface
along
On the basis of loofah arch, we expanded the possibility of three-dimensional loofah panel and carried out the design of loofah pavilion. The same as the design steps of loofah arch, the curved surface of the pavilion is designed in rhino, the loofah is filled with the flattened curved surface to generate a pattern, and finally the three-dimensional loofah panel is generated by flowing along the curved surface.
Multiple combinations of Loofah Pavilions
170 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 171 Loofah Pavilion | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
1:
4:
3: Split
5:
Rendering Image 2Rendering Image 1 172 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 173 Renderings | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
174 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 175 Rendering | DESIGN & FABRICATION - SURFACE |
04 DESIGN & FABRICATION -VOLUME 176 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 177
Loofah is a relatively fragile plant material, it needs to be combined with other hard materials to achieve the purpose of building materials, such as cement. With the basics of the loofah panel, we started experimenting with combining the loofah panel with the formed concrete geometry, and this chapter shows our results.
| CHAPTER 1 | COMPONENT 178 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 179
Step 1 Step 2 ComponentStep 1 (D)(B) Step 2 Test 1 Due to the limitation of the loofah unit, we have to consider the intersection of 2D patterns and 3D blocks. The porous side of a loofah needs to be exposed to receive more microbes. First, use simple and ordinary modules to splicing and simulate in Rhino. 180 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 181 Component | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
Rendering 2Rendering 1 182 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 183 Component | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
Renderings Step 1 (B)1 (B)2 Step 2 ComponentCombination Test 2
In order to try to show more pattern changes in the façade direction, we rotate the basic modules and use some special combination methods to make the units perfectly combined. In addition, different concrete filling methods will also produce different splicing effects.
184 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 185 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME | Component
In order to make the blocks develop in three dimensions, we try to intersperse the blocks instead of just stacking them, which makes the free growth of the modules not restricted in direction, and will be larger in volume.
186 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 187 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME | Component
Renderings Step 1 (A) (B)×2 Step 2 ComponentCombination Combination Test 3-1
Renderings Step 1 (D) (B) Step 2 ComponentCombination Test 3-2 Using different modules to form a new component in the same way, the advantage of using two different modules is that a certain angle will be generated when the components are spliced together, but this angle is often fixed and uncontrollable. 188 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 189 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME | Component
Rendering
Test 4
190 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 191 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME | Component
Different type of modules
view
The modules are superimposed horizontally according to the law of panels. From here, we try to make larger components. Due to the horizontal and vertical superposition of the blocks, there are gaps in the middle of the components, which facilitates the addition of concrete or other reinforcement materials.
Lift Front view Multiple
Splicingsplice
Rendering
4: Copy Compounent
Step 1: Single panelStep
192 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 193 Test 5 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME | Component
Step 2: Fold in the direction of the module Step 3: Folding angle
Due to the relatively small volume of components produced by module splicing, we try to use panels to make modules, and fold the panels at a certain angle according to the direction of module splicing. Mirror copy, get a hollow component, and fill it with concrete or other reinforcing material.
Type 4 Type 5 Type 6 Type 12Type 11Type 10 Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 9Type 8Type 7 194 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 195 | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME | Component
Type 1 (3) Type 4 (3) Type 1 (4) Type 4 (4) Angle 1 Type 1 (2) Type 4 (2) Type 1 (2) Type 4 (2) Angle 2 196 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 197 Combination | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
Test 2Test 1 The shapes of the components are assembled into various collections and then the loofah is attached to the surface, and the pattern of the loofah changes with the turn of the component, with continuity. 198 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 199 ComponentCombinationAggregation Method | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
B. Type 4 , Type 9 (Amount: 137) Test 4 A. Type 1 , Type 2 (Amount: 93) Test 3 200 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 201 ComponentCombinationAggregation Method | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
: 15 Height: 2.8 m Thickness: 1.01 m
202 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 203 Combination | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
3D Printing Tests
Components By connecting different components together, different spatial forms are obtained as part of the building, and through 3D printing to simulate the possibility of construction.
After the experiment of computer modeling design, we carried out manual experiments to verify the feasibility of the component module, including the specific operation method of combining loofah with cement and mycelium, as well as the joint design of the joint with the wooden board.
| CHAPTER 2 | FABRICATION 204 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 205
1. Mycelial growth space 4. Reserved joint parts 5. Close the lid 2. Acrylic plate limited space 3. Limit edge Cultured mycelium Production Process The loofah panel is fixed by the mold. According to the previous experimental results, the shredded paper is used as the growth substrate of the mycelium, so that the mycelium grow in the back space of the loofah panel, and the connectors are inserted in advance to ensure the combination of each part in the future. Cultured mycelium 206 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 207 Fabrication | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
Photos A. Mycelium blockC.B.detailsPart1Part2 The hyphae samples are more fragile due to limited growth time and insufficient hyphal growth thickness. (A) (C)(B) 208 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 209 Fabrication | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
Photo 2Photo 1 210 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 211 Fabrication | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
panel,
Step 1 Assembly mold Step 2 Place the loofah Step 3 Smear cement Step 4 Pour cement Step 1 Smear Step 2 Pour 4 woodenpieces boards 7 wooden sticks 6 angle iron Pour cement point Middle layer Top layer 212 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 213 StepsProductionFabricationProcess | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
In the experiment of small blocks, in order to fully combine the loofah with the cement, we first need to spread the cement evenly in the gap on the back of the loofah and then pour it.
A. Final effect B. Angle details C. Back effect D. Right edge detail (B) (D)(C) The cement can be fully integrated with the loofah panel to form an integral cement block. (A) 214 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 215 PhotosFabrication | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
(A) (B) 3D Fibre Matrix and Dry Concrete Mix PVC Backing (Water Proof Layer) Fibrous Top Surface (Surface to Hydrate) 216 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 217 Production ProcessConcreteFabricationCanvas | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
10 woodenpiecesboards 20 angle iron 2 wooden sticks Top Steplayer2Covered concrete canvas Middle layer Step 1 Smear
In the production of large components, the way of pouring is difficult to achieve, so we try to use cement canvas to replace the poured cement, but it also requires two steps. CC consists of a 3-dimensional fibre matrix containing a specially formulated dry cementitious mix. A PVC backing ensures the CC is completely waterproof. CC can be hydrated by spraying or full immersion in fresh or salt water. Once set, the fibres reinforce the cementitious mix, preventing crack propagation and providing a safe plastic failure mode. As a result, CC provides a thin, durable, water proof and lower carbon alternative to traditional concrete. (Source from SQUARE(B)(A)com/concretecanvas/#toggle-id-1)https://www.concretecanvas.Project:SpodeResidencyDate:2012Location:Stoke-on-Trent,UKDesigner:DavidBoothProject:SCULPTUREATBERMONDSEYDate:January2014Location:BermondseySquare,LondonDesigner:FrancesRichardson
A. Final effect B. Left view C. Right view (A) (B) (C) Production Process 218 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 219 Photos Fabrication | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
DetailDetail 220 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 221 Photos | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
222 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 223 Photos | DESIGN & FABRICATION - VOLUME |
PROPOSALARCHITECTURAL
224 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 225 05
After determining the final form of the loofah component, and verifying the feasibility through manual experimentation, we proceeded with the architectural design of the entire loofahtecture. Transition from a more random aggregation design to a very detailed architectural design.
| CHAPTER 1 | DIGITAL EXPERIMENTS 226 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 227
Experiments have proved the feasibility of combining loofah panels with other materials. The same component forms a volume similar to architectural space through regular combination. Component 8 228 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 229 Basic AggregationAggregation | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
Component 5 Further Aggregation 230 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 231 Aggregation | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
Component 8 Further Aggregation 232 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 233 Aggregation | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
234 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 235 FurtherAggregationAggregation | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
236 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 237 Aggregation | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
Component Combination 238 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 239 ComplexAggregationAggregation 1 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
240 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 241 Aggregation | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
Complex Aggregation 2
While trying different combinations of aggregation designs, we attached different materials to the component, and attached ordinary mycelium and mycelium with green plant growth to it according to its location.
| CHAPTER 2 | PRELIMINARY ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 242 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 243
Loofah will bring a lot of uncertainty to the building, such as the growth of green plants, and the particularity of combining with structural materials such as wood planks and concrete. In this chapter, we have carried out a preliminary architectural design, taking into account factors including green plant growth areas and detailed design of building modules.
244 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 245 Design Concept | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
NN
Mycelium is light and should be used in non-load-bearing parts of the building, while avoiding moisture will give it a longer service life.
Algae need to grow in moist and shady conditions and should therefore be grown on the north side of the building and in areas with relatively little light.
Algae need to grow in moist and shady conditions and should therefore be grown on the north side of the building and in areas with relatively little light.
MyceliumLoofah
Algae Grasses and algae grow in completely different conditions and therefore they are distributed in different positions in the building. Also the building uses a different mix of materials for the componente, which are preserved under different conditions, so that their distribution should be adjusted accordingly.
Grass Grasses need to grow in full sun and require a certain thickness of soil to keep their roots alive, so they should be grown on the south side of the building.
ColumnBalcony Grey Space Room
Multiple components are combined to form a combination of different shapes that can replace parts of traditional buildings such as beams and columns, and create a variety of shapes of spaces that can be used.
Floor Stair Column Wall 246 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 247 Functions of Component | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
Multiple Combinations
Mycelium Combination 2 Combination 3
Combinationconstruction.1 Concrete Terrazzo Plywood 248 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 249 Compounent | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
The combination of three different types of components endows the building with different functions, and the components are also composed of different materials to meet the basic logic of building construction. Concrete and planks are interlaced to form a stable structure, with additional terrazzo panels making up the ceilings and floors. Solid mycelium blocks are used in unstressed parts as additional components of biological
Explode Analysis
After doing a relatively random aggregation design, we try to give the aggregation some architectural logic. We selected two combinations of different components to make them appear in different parts of a building. The spatial combination is used in the shaping of the floor, and the structural combination is used in the shaping of the structure. The loofah is attached more randomly to the surface of the component.
Floor StructureLoofahLoofahComponent 1 Point cloud - Floor Point cloud - StructureComponent 2 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 251250 House Aggregation Design Logic | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
Explosive Diagram
MyceliumPlywoodConcrete
Design Logic After getting the basic shape of the aggregation, we start to consider the material and plant growth. According to the bottom-up structural properties of the component, we use concrete to define the lowermost support body, wooden boards to define the middle layer, and mycelium to define the uppermost lightweight layer, which is the same as our manual experiment logic for components.
252 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 253 House Aggregation | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
Algae and ComponentGrass and Component 254 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 255 Rendering | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL|
256 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 257 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering
| CHAPTER 3 | FINAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 258 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 259
Through the thinking and summary of the building generation logic in the preliminary architectural design, we have sorted out the design methods belonging to the loofah component. In this chapter, we have introduced a variety of other materials and detailed designs to enrich the architectural rationality of loofahtecture, allowing the full picture of loofahtecture to be realized.
Building Design In our project, two different design methods were generated. Design 1 is designed according to the level of the building block, divided into different levels such as floors and walls, and introduced the corresponding Accordingcomponents.tothe design function of the component, Design 2 takes the central block of the building as the main support and gradually extends outwards.
260 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 261 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL |
Design 2Design 1
262 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 263 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL |
Step 4: Copy cube
The cube is copied according to the lattice and formed into a broken shape.
In order to ensure that the final shape has a more perfect internal space, the original shape with space basis is used as the initial architectural shape frame, and different parts are divided into different block functions, for example, walls, floors, seats, etc., according to the different components of functional Stepskin.
Shape BuildingGenerationDesign 1
1: Base shap Base shap as the shape frame for the building.
Step 7: Additional loofah Attach the loofah to the components.
Step 3: Building block
The subtraction of the shape results in a shape with an interior space.
Step 6: Copy components Copy different components according to different building functions.
Step 5: Classification Classify bodies according to block function.
Step 2: Cut out shapes Subtract shapes to produce architectural space.
Shape 1 Shape 2 Shape 3 Shape Overall1shape Shape2 Shape 3 Different Shapes Dot Matrix Layout Building Design 1 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL | Through the division of different levels of functions, the basic lattice is generated, and different lattice relationships are tried to form three final different spatial forms. AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 265264
materials Axonometric Level 4: LoofahTopLevel 3: Column Level 2: Space Level 1: Floor 266 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 267 Building Design 1 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL |
Explosive Diagram
Green networks The plant growth of the whole building is dominated by grass and algae. Algae grow more in the loofah pores on the north side, while grass grows more on the top surface of the component.
Concrete material appears as a support at the bottom or middle of the building structure, while mycelium material is lighter in weight and appears at the top of the building structure or in the part of the dividing wall that does not function as a support. Different
Top view Building Design 1 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL | First floor Second floor 0m 2m 5m 268 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 269
Section 1 Section 2 Elevation and Section Building Design 1 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL |
By using the arrangement of different components, we get a building with different spatial forms, while the horizontal components form the terraces and passages that extend outwards.
Front view Left view 270 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 271
Rendering | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL | 272 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 273
Shapenvelope.1
Step 3: Classification Classify objects based on the orientation of the points.
Shape BuildingGenerationDesign 2 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL |
Step 4: Copy components Copy different components according to different building functions.
The original shape consists of two parts, which form the internal support structure of the building and the wall separating the space through different arrangements, so that the building forms a spatial form extending outward.
Step 3: Copy components Copy different components according to different building functions. Final form
Shap 2 Step 1: Base shap 2 Shape 2 as the base form for the center of the building. Step 2: Classification Classify objects based on the orientation of the points. Step 2: Cut out shapes Subtract shapes to produce architectural space.
Step 1: Base shap 1 Shape 1 as the basic form of the building
274 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 275
v Cluster 1 Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 Cluster 3 Level 1: Space Cluster 0 Cluster 0 Level 2: Structure The two blocks are divided into four different lattices according to the different directions of the points, and the components in different directions are copied at the same time, making the architectural space change. 276 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 277 Dot Matrix Layout Building Design 2 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL |
278 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 279
Explosive DiagramType Building3 Design 2 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL | Axonometric Level 4: Loofah Top Level 3: Components Level 2: Floor Level 1: Fundation
Due to the different distribution of points, the façade forms a stepped space, while the center is composed of different shapes, which constitute the central vertical space of the building.
Elevation and Section Building Design 2 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL | Section 1 Section 2 Elevation 1 Elevation 2 280 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 281
First ThirdSecondfloorfloorfloor Top view Building Design 2 | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL | 0m 2m 5m 282 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 283
AlgaeGrass Moss
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Building Design 2 284 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 285
Sunlight and Plant Growth
The porosity of the loofha allows it to support the growth of a variety of plants, which are also determined by sunlight. Grasses, algae and moss are the three main plants considered likely to grow on loofah. Algae grow mainly in northerly moist, shady areas, and grasses grow where the sun shines.
Soil Metal
Textures and Details Design
Loofahframes. | ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Building Design 2 286 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 287
The structural part of the Loofahtecture is composed of wooden boards and concrete. In order to make the flow of the house more reasonable, we introduced some details such as additional railings, stairs and glass curtain wall
BricksTerrazzoMyceliumPlywoodConcrete
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 288 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 289
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 290 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 291
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 292 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 293
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 294 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 295
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 296 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 297
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 298 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 299
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 300 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 301
| ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL| Rendering 302 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 303
06 ANNEXURE 304 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 305
Volume Design Workshop Initial ExperimentsInitial Volume Design | ANNEXURE | Basic Design 306 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 307
Loofah Component DesignSurface and Volume | ANNEXURE | Loofah Pattern Design 308 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 309
Architectural Design: Domino House Architectural Design: House Scale Architectural Design | ANNEXURE | Architectural Design: Large Scale 310 AD RC7 Loofahtecture | UCL - Bartlett 311
Loofahtecture Portfolio | RC7 | 2021-2022 Tutor:Group2: Richard Beckett Junjie Lyu: 21173002 Jinghui Wei: 21089205 Yuchen Qiu: 21100209 312
