German Universities Study Robotically Manufactured Timber for Resource-Efficient Construction

Scientists from the Universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg in Germany are developing a new interdisciplinary approach to construction to help meet the world’s population growth and the challenges of using fewer resources and switching to sustainable materials, according to a feature in TechXplore (7-21-23).

In a joint project between both universities, researchers have built a lightweight timber construction pavilion at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg, where they are evaluating and researching new materials and construction methods.

For the construction of the livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT, the scientists used new computer-based planning methods, robotic manufacturing and construction processes, and new forms of human-machine interaction, which enable significant resource savings when compared to conventional timber construction.

The modular structure and design are based on the construction principles of the sea urchin skeleton. It is made up of individually arranged plates, making it particularly light and strong. The careful use of scarce resources is a key evolutionary advantage of natural structures.

“The pavilion shows how a load-adapted and material-efficient structure can be produced economically even under today’s conditions. The key to this is the consistent digitalization of planning and production,” Professor Jan Knippers of the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) and deputy spokesperson of the IntCDC Cluster of Excellence at the University of Stuttgart told TechXplore.