The construction industry is facing a significant challenge as the world’s population continues to grow – the need to use fewer resources and transition to sustainable materials. In response, scientists from the Universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have embarked on a groundbreaking project to develop innovative methods and materials for construction.
Collaborating on the construction of the livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT, the researchers have utilized computer-based planning methods, robotic manufacturing and construction processes, and new forms of human-machine interaction. This collaborative effort between the Clusters of Excellence Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture (IntCDC) at the University of Stuttgart and Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) at the University of Freiburg aims to achieve significant resource savings compared to conventional timber construction.
Over the past decade, timber construction has gained traction as a sustainable alternative to CO2-intensive building materials like steel and concrete. The livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT is a testament to this trend. Consisting of hollow wooden cassettes, the pavilion minimizes material usage for the building envelope and reduces its overall weight.
A comprehensive life cycle analysis has revealed the remarkable environmental benefits of this innovative construction. Material consumption is reduced by over 50%, and the global warming potential is decreased by nearly 63% compared to conventional timber buildings. Prof. Achim Menges from the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart explains that the principle of the hollow cassette was first utilized in a temporary structure for the ‘BUGA Holzpavillon 2019.’ Building upon this success, the researchers optimized the timber construction method for a permanent, closed structure that can be used year-round. Sustainable timber materials and robotic production methods were employed to minimize waste throughout the process.
Inspired by the sea urchin skeleton, the pavilion’s modular structure and design are based on the arrangement of individually placed plates, resulting in a lightweight yet robust construction. The careful conservation of scarce resources is a crucial advantage exhibited by natural structures.
The components of the livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT were manufactured on a newly developed, transportable robotic platform by müllerblaustein HolzBauWerke GmbH. Augmented reality played a significant role in integrating manual partial assembly steps for special components. Prof. Dr. Jan Knippers from the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) at the University of Stuttgart emphasizes that the digitalization of planning and production is the key to economically producing load-adapted and material-efficient structures.
In a groundbreaking maneuver, automated spider cranes were deployed on an actual construction site for the first time during the creation of the pavilion. These cranes, equipped with vacuum grippers, lift components into the correct installation position and hold them in place until they are securely fastened by another crane. To ensure the accuracy of these construction robots, an automated real-time station network was developed to determine their precise position.
Sustainability remains at the forefront of the project’s objectives. Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rühe from the Department of Microsystems Engineering at the University of Freiburg emphasizes the goal of operating the pavilion in an energy-neutral manner. The building features a thermally activated floor slab made of recycled concrete, which harnesses geothermal energy to heat and cool the structure. Additionally, a weather-sensitive shading system composed of bio-based, 4D-printed materials on a skylight regulates the building’s climate, shielding the interior from excessive heat in the summer while allowing sunlight to penetrate during the winter.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Speck, Director of the Botanic Garden at the University of Freiburg, highlights the importance of efficient and low-maintenance shading systems, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing heat stress. The “Solar Gate” implemented in the livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT is based on the biomimetic principle observed in pine cones, which open and close in response to moisture. The team plans to explore further solutions for building facades that can adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as temperature, to create a comfortable indoor climate and enable the building to operate in a carbon-neutral manner.
The livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable construction practices. By integrating advanced technologies, sustainable materials, and biomimetic design principles, the researchers have set a new standard for resource-efficient and environmentally conscious construction methods.
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