Shadow Pavilion

Abstract

Timber in architecture has been used for millennia, from the original huts and pit dwellings, through to today’s modern structures. Through the years the main advances have primarily been the sophistication with which timber can be shaped and joined. In recent years, modern materials such as Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), and new and more accurate fasteners and synthetic glues have allowed for adaptations to these practices due to the increased strength and stability of the timber used. However, in the digital realm, the main advances are with sizeable, highly specialised machines that mill large members, and smaller, less sophisticated milling machines for sheet materials, without much development in between. This thesis serves to ‘hack’ the usage of a simple, less sophisticated three-axis CNC machine to achieve what would typically require a far more expensive and specialised machine. The thesis proposes a new and updated fabrication methodology using smaller timber members and intricate jigs to mill them. This methodology allows problems to be faced, such as the use of complex profiles and extended lengths of timber, which wouldn’t pose a problem on larger and more expensive machines. This is achieved through thorough testing of conceptual designs using CAD software and physical modelling for both sun/shadow studies, as well as structural analysis of various joints and designs in an attempt to design-out problems such as screw placements. The project aims to develop a low cost, timber fabrication methodology that can be widely applied. The implementation of this fabrication methodology was tested through various concept designs, using a fully developed design as a 1:1 case study on a selected site. The physical construction of the final design allowed for all matters involved to be explored with full implementation. The final Cowan Bay pavilion makes up the majority of this thesis and is a worked example of how the fabrication methodology can be applied.