Christopher Robeller

Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg · Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Automatic joinery has become a common technique for the jointing of beams in timber framing and roofing. It has revived traditional, integral joints such as mortise and tenon connections. Similarly, but only recently, the automatic fabrication of traditional cabinetmaking joints has been introduced for the assembly of timber panel shell structures....

This article describes the first full-scale realization of a double-layered, folded plate structure (DLFP), for a new hall for the Thétre Vidy Lausanne. (Fig. 1). Enabled by a novel double-tenon connection technology, the shape of the components simultaneously serves as a joining aid for rapid and precise assembly, as well as for a direct transfer...

The article describes a new construction system for shell structures made from door- and window cut-offs resulting from cross laminated timber (CLT) production lines. For the first time, form-fitting fasteners made of beech laminated veneer lumber are used in a shell made of engineered wood plates, enabling a particularly simple, fast and precise c...

We present an assembly- and fabrication aware reciprocal frame construction system that exploits new possibilities of the latest generation of automatic joinery machines. Sweet chestnut wood (Castanea sativa), is a species that is currently not used for building construction in Germany. The wood of castanea sativa is highly durable and ideal for ex...

The HexBox Canopy demonstrates a new "plug & play" system for the rapid on-site assembly and disassembly without formwork of a segmented timber shell, consisting of relatively inexpensive, prefabricated hexagon-shaped boxes made from plywood plates. With 1531 timber segments making up 201 boxes, the HexBox shell is made exclusively of plywood compo...

Cross-Laminated Timber is being increasingly used as an engineered wood product in construction due to its efficient properties. Therefore, there is a substantial need to optimize and automate design to fabrication processes of CLT buildings. Panel segmentation could be a key feature in decreasing CLT waste. Usually, CLT walls, ceilings or roof ele...

This research extends the work from our previous study on utilizing digital technologies to turn short solid timber elements into framed timber systems designed for the rapid assembly and disassembly of cost-effective, material-efficient, reusable gridshells. In a former paper, we developed an innovative reciprocally-reinforced topology of trivalen...

We present an assembly- and fabrication aware reciprocal frame construction system that exploits new possibilities of the latest generation of automatic joinery machines. Sweet chestnut wood (Castanea sativa), is a species that is currently not used for building construction in Germany. The wood of castanea sativa is highly durable and ideal for ex...

The Reciprocal shell is a lightweight freeform structure, optimized for fabrication and assembly. The demonstrator investigates a new method for the digital design, fabrication and construction of timber grid shells made from simple, linear (non-curved) members. It addresses the challenge of parallel face offsetting in a triangulated surface with a...

This poster proposes a new beam topology enabled by the precision and speed of modern, computer-controlled joinery machines. This allows for free-form shapes such as structurally-efficient catenary cross-section, without the need for any steel nodes, which were not possible with previous geodesic domes such as the Tacoma Dome (1983), Saldome1 and S...

Reciprocal timber system has been widely studied, however it has never been directly applied to the segmented timber shell structure as a cross-bracing of a polygonal topology. For the first time, this paper presents an innovative hybrid timber system developed for design and construction of the robotically-fabricated lightweight timber shell struc...

This paper evaluates the structural performance of an innovative hybrid timber system for design and construction of the robotically-fabricated shell structures. The timber system combines two configurations: hexagonal and reciprocal. While the first timber configuration generates the main skeleton of the shell based on the discretization of the in...

The paper presents an algorithmic modeling tool for segmented timber shell structures made of glued wave-edge CLT plates. The goal is to provide a larger bonding area and thereby higher adhesive strength between plates, especially where a higher tension-resistant capacity is required. In addition to a number of contemporary research for exploring s...

This research introduces a sustainable construction system by transitioning from a plate-based to a beam-based timber approach, leveraging prior work on digital technology to create high-tech structures from timber waste. Previously, we constructed the 12-meter span DTC Recycleshell demonstrator using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) production waste a...

This poster presents the RECYCLESAUNA project, an innovative approach to constructing segmented timber shell structures using cross-laminated timber (CLT) offcuts. Inspired by the Recycleshell project, RECYCLESAUNA employs a wood-only construction system that eliminates the need for additional glue. By exploring various geometric patterns, the proj...

The HexBox Canopy demonstrates a new "plug & play" system for the rapid on-site assembly and disassembly without formwork of a segmented timber shell, consisting of relatively inexpensive, prefabricated hexagon-shaped boxes made from plywood plates. With 1531 timber segments making up 201 boxes, the HexBox shell is made exclusively of plywood compo...

This research is an extension of the work from our previous study on using digital technology to construct lightweight wood-only shell structures from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) production waste. In a previous paper, we developed an algorithm that turns CLT offcuts into efficient timber plates and uses them for the construction of a medium-scale...

Shingle covering of multi-curved surfaces is usually a manual process with no precise plan for the arrangement and assembly of shingle elements. Such processes lack the computational capacity of algorithmic methods for modeling, analysis, and optimization of shingle systems within a seamless digital workflow. As a solution, this paper presents an a...

This research extends the work from our previous study on using cutting-edge digital technology to construct lightweight wood-only shell structures from CLT production waste (offcuts). The poster presents part of a grain-informed modeling workflow for constructing a more tension-resistant segmented timber shell structure with a larger column-free s...

The article describes a new construction system for shell structures made from door- and window cut-offs resulting from cross laminated timber (CLT) production lines. For the first time, form-fitting fasteners made of beech laminated veneer lumber are used in a shell made of engineered wood plates, enabling a particularly simple, fast and precise c...

Research in and on architecture is as complex as the discipline itself with its different specialist fields. Therefore, the results often remain unconnected. Research Culture in Architecture includes selected papers that were presented and discussed at the conference RCA (Research Culture in Architecture) 2018 held at fatuk, the Faculty of Architec...

In times of High Gothic Leonardo Fibonacci of Pisa (ca. 1180–after 1240) already had an impact on the theory and practice of geometry and therefore contributed to geometry as a science. Gothic architects were artists and structural engineers at the same time; geometry determined their artistic practice. But was architecture a science, too? Architec...

Wir stehen vor dem schönen Holzpavillon am Eingang des zukünftigen Holz-Forschungscampus der TUK und ich frage mich, was das Besondere an diesem Holzbau ist, den ich ähnlich auch schon größer gesehen habe?! Danke zunächst einmal für das "schöne"! Mag sein, dass Sie einen Holzpavillon-Sie spielen auf den von Menges/Knippers in Heilbronn an? - schon...

Digital design and production of the "recycleshell" timber plate shell made from CLT door and window cutouts. Article originally published in mikado timber construction magazine issue 11.2019. More information and project team at http://recycleshell.digitalerholzbau.de

Fatuk, the Faculty of Architecture at TU Kaiserslautern, Germany, founded the series “Research Culture in Architecture” in 2018. In this international conference, whose first edition was held at the end of September, many current developments were presented and new research approaches were examined for their relevance for design. This unique possib...

Thin shell structures such as vaults and domes, allow for a column-free construction over a large span. Such surface-active structure systems have been of interest for architects and engineers over centuries, both due to their structural efficiency and their elegant appearance. Only thin cross-sections and therefore small amounts of materials are r...

Der Artikel beschreibt ein neues Konstruktionssystem für räumliche Flächentragwerke aus Brettsperrholz. Erstmals kommen bei einer Schale aus Holzwerkstoffplatten formschlüssige Verbindungselemente aus Buchen-Furniersperrholz zum Einsatz, die einen besonders einfachen, schnellen und präzisen Aufbau ermöglichen. Die effiziente Planung und Produktion...

This paper is focused on the structural design of an innovative wood-wood connection designed for a full-scale double-layered timber folded-plate structure: the new Vidy theatre pavilion (Lausanne, Switzerland). Investigations into the potential of these new connections have been ongoing since 2010 in the Laboratory for Timber Constructions (IBOIS)...

Structural behaviour of timber folded surface systems greatly depends on the connections ability to transfer the occurring forces between the adjacent elements and finally to the supports. This paper focuses on multiple tab-and-slot joints (MTSJ), where digital prefabrication is used to integrate connectors through plate geometry. Multiple plates a...

This article presents a new lightweight construction system for doubly curved shells made from timber plates, inspired by the masonry vaults of Eladio Dieste. The system was developed for a specific case-study project, and general applications to other freeform surfaces are being discussed. The shells are built from two interconnected layers of str...

Der neue Holzbau für einen Theatersaal in Vidy nimmt derzeit Gestalt an. Er liegt neben dem Theater, das Max Bill als Provisorium für die Expo 64, die Landesausstellung von 1964, entwarf (Situationsplan rechte Seite oben). Als Ersatz für den provisorischen Zeltbau wünschte die Bauherrschaft eine repräsentative, gedämmte und akustisch vorteilhaftere...

Integral joints provide a rapid, simple and mechanically strong connection between parts. Our investigation focuses on the assembly of cross-laminated wood veneer plates, where previous studies have shown that the strength of through-tenons is equivalent or superior to state-of-the-art fasteners such as screws or nails. This mechanical behaviour is...

1 ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Dieser Artikel beschreibt die erste vollmasstäbliche Umsetzung eines zweischichtigen, gefalteten Flächentragwerkes aus Brettsperrholzplatten, für das Projekt Théâtre Vidy Lausanne. (Abb.1 links) Durch eine neuartige Doppelzapfen-Verbindungstechnik dient die Form der Bauteile gleichzeitig als Fügehilfe für eine schnelle und präzise...

This paper presents a new lightweight construction system for doubly-curved shells, built from two interconnected layers of structural wood veneer plates. The system uses integral through-tenon joints for a fast, precise, and simple assembly, allowing for the construction of a series of differently shaped shells without a costly mould or support st...

Integral Mechanical Attachment (IMA) uses features in the form of components for their connection. In addition to the transfer of forces, locator features are used as integral assembly guides. Prismatic, single-degree-of-freedom (1DOF) joints only allow for a single assembly motion and therefore a simple, rapid and precise assembly. In modern timbe...

In light of environmental challenges architecture is facing, wood is no longer regarded as outmoded, nostalgic, and rooted in the past, but increasingly recognized as one of the most promising building materials for the future. Recent years have seen unprecedented innovation of new technologies for advancing wood architecture. Advancing Wood Archi...

Integral attachment, the joining of parts through their form rather than additional connectors or adhesives, is a common technique in many industry sectors. Following a renaissance of integral joints for timber frame structures, recent research investigates techniques for the attachment of timber plate structures. This paper introduces double throu...

Über einen langen Zeitraum wurden im Zimmererhandwerk Holzverbindungen mit Handwerkzeugen wie Beilen, Sägen und Stemmeisen hergestellt. Diese traditionellen Verbindungen nutzten die Form der Bauteile, um Kräfte zu übertragen. Das Konzept wird auch als integrale mechanische Befestigung bezeichnet. Die Verbreitung der Maschinentechnologie während der...

Integral attachment, the joining of parts through their form rather than additional connectors or adhesives, is a common technique in many industry sectors. Following a renaissance of integral joints for timber frame structures, recent research investigates techniques for the attachment of timber plate structures. This paper introduces double throu...

Precast segmental bridge with corrugated steel webs has good popularization value, for the advantages of precast segmental construction and box girder with corrugated steel webs. In order to study the mechanical behavior of this structure,6 simply-supported scale model beams with corrugated steel webs were tested with the forming process, ratio of...

This paper focuses on multiple tab-and-slot joints (MTSJ) for load-carrying assembly of structural wood elements, which are inspired by traditional cabinetmaking joints and adapted for automatic fabrication and engineered wood panels such as laminated veneer lumber. First a numerical method is presented for the estimation of the connections’ semi-r...

This paper analyses the potential of different possible folded form topologies for generating timber folded surface structures. The main advantage of such structures lies primarily in the realm of ecology and sustainability. By offering an integral way of construction, which fulfils both a supporting as well as a covering function, very lightweight...

Timber folded plate Structures combine the advantages of timber as a construction material, such as its carbon-dioxide storage, low energy production and favorable weight-to-strength ratio, with the structural efficiency and elegance of folded surface structures. The construction of such surface-active structure systems with timber is a relatively...

Folded plate structures or shells are statically efficient structures. However, their construction is limited by the complexity and cost of their formwork. We used Computer Numerical Control Milling Technology to design a wooden formwork for an Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced cement-based Composite (UHPFRC) folded plate arch. This paper des...

The widely available automated prefabrication in timber construction companies, as well as modern CAD software with application programing interfaces, allow for the design and production of increasingly geometrically complex building components. This development also enables and demands at the same time advanced joinery techniques. Analog to the de...

Die weit verbreitete automatisierte Vorfertigung im Holzbau, sowie moderne CAD-Software mit Programmierschnittstellen ermöglichen und vereinfachen zunehmend die Herstellung von komplexen Bauteilgeometrien. Diese Entwicklung erfordert und ermöglicht gleichermaßen auch Anpassungen und Neuentwicklungen der Verbindungstechnik. Analog zu den Entwicklung...

The prototype presented in this chapter utilizes the technique of curved folding for the design of a thin-shell structure built from curved cross-laminated timber panels (CLT). The curved-folded geometry allows for a span of 13.5 m, at a shell thickness of only 77 mm. The construction requires curved line CLT joints, which are difficult to address...