Additive Manufactured Facade


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Author / Producer

Date

2023

Publication Type

Doctoral Thesis

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is a rising trend in the construction field. It enables tailored facade designs that can incorporate environmental features like daylight, shading, ventilation, structural strength, and thermal conductivity. This potential enhances facade sustainability and energy efficiency attributes, achievable through recyclable mono-material components and integrated performances. However, the definitive demonstration of integrating environmental and fabrication parameters into computational facade design remains unrealized. This gap persists due to complex challenges in fabricating intricate building envelopes, necessitating consideration of numerous fabrication and environmental parameters, from accurate geometries, and good material properties to shading, daylight, air permeability, water tightness, and structural integrity. This research focuses on additive manufactured facade design strategies informed by both fabrication techniques and environmental considerations. The thesis provides fundamental design guidelines to support the fabrication of downcycled and multi-performative facade elements for light distribution and transmission, air permeability, water tightness, resistance to wind loads, and impact strength. The study employs both analytical and empirical methods to address three key criteria: (1) Design, (2) Material and fabrication, and (3) Environmental performance evaluation. The design process and guidelines (1) are thoroughly explored, encompassing the integration of fabrication and multiple environmental performances into a single mono-material element. Subsequently, material and fabrication methods (2) are analyzed through experimental testing at an architectural scale, utilizing a robotic arm and thermoplastic polymer material extrusion. Finally, performance evaluation (3) serves as the results validation of several large-scale prototypes. This approach opens up new possibilities for creating environmentally responsible architectural facades that push the boundaries of sustainable design.

Publication status

published

Editor

Contributors

Examiner : Köhler, Mathias
Examiner : Gramazio, Fabio
Examiner : Lloret-Fritschi, Ena
Examiner : Knaak, Ulrich

Book title

Journal / series

Volume

Pages / Article No.

Publisher

ETH Zurich

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

additive manufacturing; 3D Printing Facade; environmental performance; thermoplastics

Organisational unit

03709 - Kohler, Matthias / Kohler, Matthias check_circle
03708 - Gramazio, Fabio / Gramazio, Fabio check_circle
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication

Notes

Funding

-- - NCCR Digital Fabrication (SNF)

Related publications and datasets

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