Architectonic Concrete Casting Printing Structure

AR2327 E02 Printing Structure ESTHER TAN SZE ERN A0185878A JOSHUA ANDREW DE SOUZA A0184272A LAI WEI SONG A0184143J LEE HONG XUAN A0169997W LEONG LIN CHIN A0167237Y TENG YING SHI A0192379N

Prelude Concept Sketches Study models 3D Model Cast Concrete Casting Process 3D Printed mould Plan, Elevation, Section, Isonometric Rendering

CONCEPT & OVERARCHING THOUGHT PROCESS Ours is a double skinned design—the outer load bearing layer forms the primary support for the floor slabs while the inner layer is a planter layer that serves the purpose of providing sun shading, rain shielding, cross ventilation and indoor greenery for the users to make their spatial experience in the office a pleasing one. We began by exploring the diagrid for its inherent structural stability because of its ability to transfer load diagonally into the earth and at the same time offer diagonal bracing for the building. We extracted the diagonal load transferring property of the diagrid and assimilated it into a column and beam system, leading us to a complex that bears semblance to a roman arch. Each individual module is a concaved diamond shaped structure that supports the floor slab in both the x and y direction while the columns spans the z axis. The dimensions of the modules were derived by considering the pragmatic parameters listed above against the aesthetics and elegance of the overall façade, which includes reducing the number of columns needed to a minimum without compromising structural stability.

PRELIMINARY SKETCHES

Intrigued by the inherent structural stability of the diagrid, we began exploring patterns from there.

At the crux of architecture lies the spatial experience that a building can offer to its inhabitants. We did not want the structural modules to be too invasive to the point that it obstructs the views of the users in the office building. Therefore, we arrived at breaking down the facade into two parts-structural and nonstructural elements. The structural elements would be wider and taller while the non-structural elements which would be used mainly to provide sun shading, rain shielding and indoor greenery would be narrower and shorter. The clarity of the structural system is expressed in the facade which also adds to its aesthetics. The facade now has depth and does not feel so monolithic.

A further push on aesthetics drove us to conceal the floor plates from the facade by hiding it behind the horizontal beam of each structural module. this gave us a strong reason to also extend the structural module in both the x and y axes using the same language of the arch. resultantly, the floor plates rest snugly on the “corbel� that we have incorporated.

Two critical aspects were considered for the dimensions of the planter module. Firstly, given that the office building is naturally ventilated (no curtain glass walls in the facade) and that the structural skin leaves huge gaps in the facade, we wanted the planter module to function as a parapet wall of sorts. Hence, the rim of the planter begins at 110mm. That said, we also wanted to retain the proportions of the first level structural module which we felt looked more elegant and by aligning the vertical and horizontal axes determined by the two parameters above, the dimensions were derived. To increase porosity of the skin for enhancing natural ventilation, a hole was cut in which follows the existing contours.

PAPER MODEL OF INITIAL IDEA TO EXPLORE A POSSIBLE GEOMETRIC COMPOSITION

EXPLORATION OF MODULAR JOINT BETWEEN CORNER MODULES

TEST PRINT MODULES

PREPARATION FOR 3D PRINITNG OF MODULAR CAST

CONCRETE CASTING PROCESS

The 3d printed mocular cast was first embedded into a foam support for additional reinforcement when pouring the concrete mix.

Preparation of foam support to embed 3D printed mould in.

Carving foam support using CNC machine.

Final concrete formwork