Abstract:
This thesis explores the potential of thinking about architectural design through a lens of digital fabrication as a strategy to mitigate embodied carbon in construction. The central inquiry of this study is focused on addressing the critical question: How can digital fabrication-based design thinking reduce embodied carbon? The proposed approach for carbon reduction revolves around the exclusive use of timber, leveraging its inherent carbon sequestering properties. The primary digital fabrication technique employed in this research is three-axis CNC machining of common dimensional lumber.
The investigation encompasses both theoretical exploration and practical application, culminating in the construction of a pavilion in Summerhill, Papamoa. The selected site serves as a practical testbed to refine and validate the methods and techniques developed throughout the thesis. The construction of the pavilion utilizes timber grown and sourced directly from the sites surrounding landscape in Summerhill, allowing precise traceability for carbon analysis and creating a poetic cycle where the materials return to their original environment.
By focusing on digital fabrication and timber as key elements, this thesis aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to mitigate embodied carbon in the architectural and construction industry. Through the exploration of innovative design strategies and the utilization of timber's carbon sequestration properties, the research seeks to offer practical insights and actionable recommendations for achieving sustainable and environmentally conscious architectural practices.
