Formwork Construction Process

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The design intent for the concrete making process was to provide a formwork system which could be reused as a cladding system. The concrete would provide a timber cut finish, which would relate to the timber cladding. This would provide the building with a tectonic language, providing glimpses of the construction process.

We analysed a typical formwork system as shown above and decided on a prefabricated formwork system which would come to site in modular panels. These panels would be connected using tongue and groove joints.

The quality of these panels would be high, as the panels would be reused as cladding. The sheating panels would be made from European Larch timber and the stud and wale frames would be from Scottish oak. The outer ties would be coated in Bronze to create a high class finish. The front face of the panels would provide the concrete finish whilst the back of the panels would provide the cladding finish. Some formwork panels would be left in place whilst others would be removed and reused as cladding.

This prefabricated bespoke product would cost higher than typical formwork systems, however because of it’s usage as cladding after casting, additional costs on timber would be greatly reduced, which would go a long way on balancing out the higher costs on this product. 1 Assembly - Each panel would be tied in place using Bronze ties which screw into a threaded central thermal tie from both ends. The ties are connected within a conical cap which prevents concrete from entering the connection.

3 Joint - The modular panels are connected from bottom right to top left using tongue and grooved joints.

2 Support - Support braces are connected onto the nibs which come as part of the bespoke formwork system

4 Concrete Pour

5 Post Pour - Once the concrete is set, the formwork can be removed by unscrewing the bronze ties.

6 Timber Cladding - The back face of the formwork would become the finished timber building facade. The bronze ties would be screwed into a threaded head which is connected to the timber studwork.