THE ALBIZIA PROJECT P R O J E C T
B R I E F
W W W. A L B I Z I A P R O J E C T. C O M
Vision THRIVABILITY
The Albizia Project aims to redefine conventional ways of building in Hawaii by converting invasive trees into innovative solutions for ecological and socio-economic resilience in a vulnerable island community.
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Contents 1
Background p4-5
2
Concept
3
Prototype I
p6-7
p8-9
4
Design Principles
5
R&D
6
Funding
p 10 - 11
p 12 - 13
p 14- 15
3
4
Background ALBIZIA WOOD
Hawaii’s building industry must shift
We are testing the potential of
towards renewable resources and
the prolific invasive albizia tree
closed-loop systems to compliment
(F. moluccana) as an abundant
new statewide green initiatives.
material,
With nearly all building materials
tree from invasive to useful. The
imported
other
outcome offers an adaptive system
inefficiencies in construction cost
that can respond to diverse design
and time, the state’s current building
challenges with locally fabricated
system necessitates reformation.
solutions.
and
countless
reconceptualizing
the
January, 2015 | UH Mānoa Harold L. Lyon Arboretum – $1M albizia removal 5
WASTED WOOD
Concept
REMOVAL
LOCALIZED SYSTEM
The Hawaiian Islands are at the end
Utilizing a design-build process,
of a very long global supply chain –
engineered wood technology is
The Albizia Project is exploring how
integrated with digital fabrication
we can shorten that chain to our
and kit-of-parts construction for
own backyard.
a localized system of sustainable wood structures.
ALBIZIA
Conceptual Diagram – Wasted Wood to Sustainable Housing
# Days
6
ABUNDANT
5
DRYING
ENGINEERING SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
TREATMENT
DIGITAL FABRICATION
KIT OF PARTS MILLING
STRUCTURE COMMUNITY
10
15
75
115
130
140
155 7
USEFUL
8
Prototype I URBAN SHELTER
In collaboration with UH Mānoa
As certain goals related to this project
School of Architecture, College of
align, there is momentum to enact
Engineering, Office of Sustainability,
change in the current framework
and several private sector sponsors,
of building. The prototype is listed
we are building Prototype 1 as proof
as a University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
of concept. It will serve as a catalyst
campus project and will be exhibited
to promote the use of local timber in
on a site adjacent to the School of
building and highlight the value of
Architecture for one year.
design in mitigating the indignity of houslessness.
Rendered Section of Prototype 1 – Urban Shelter 9
10
Design Principles VERNACULAR
The Urban Shelter was developed
Digital
fabrication
via
as a design response to the state’s
(Computer
severe housing crisis. Bioclimatic
allows for customization and a kit-
design and indigenous pacific island
of-parts construction. This process
architecture inspired an arched
allows for the structure to be built
skeletal structure and louvered
entirely out of engineered albizia
skin. Fixed louvers and a vented
wood and is designed to be easily
roof allows for natural ventilation,
assembled and disassembled.
Numerical
CNC
Control)
while a large South facing screen window lets in diffused natural light through a vegitated screen trellis. July 2016 | UH Mānoa College of Engineering – Structural Testing Lab 11
R&D ENGINEERING
We developed an engineered wood
In collaboration with UH College
system of uni-directional laminated
of Engineering, several structural
panels. Laminated panels allow for
specimens have been tested for
improved strength, stability, and
strength. We have achieved good
predictability of an otherwise low-
results to support using albizia
value material. A custom designed
wood for building Prototype 1.
spliced lap joint allows for spans to reach beyond the limitations of the CNC bed.
2016 - 2017 | UH MÄ noa College of Engineering – Structural Testing Lab 12
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PROJECT SUPPORT
Schedule 2017
SPRING
SUMMER
ENGRAVED
FALL
WINTER
2018
Site approval Design approval Source/mill albizia wood Confirm Bello’s Millwork Summer ARCH 490 (begin build) Structural testing: Phase III CNC cutsheet files Fundraising Structural testing: Phase IV Manufacture parts (Bello’s) Purchase materials Site work Construction
Summer 2017 | UH Mānoa School of Architecture – ARCH 490 Digital Build 14
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Funding
Total Project Budget Total Funds Received
Remaining Funds Needed
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$
61,000
$
51,000
$
10,000
SUPPORT & SPONSORS
Mahalo to our sponsors who have provided over $55,000 in-kind support to help bring the first prototype to life.
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THE ALBIZIA PROJECT O‘AHU, HAWAI‘I Contact: Joseph Valenti | jvalenti@hawaii.edu
Location:
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Date:
10/01/17