The research focused on steam-bending wood to create complex forms, developed as part of the Design & Make master’s program. The project combined digital and material experimentation, using iterative cycles to refine the process. A key aspect of the workflow was the ability to 3D scan a 1:10 scale model and convert it into a digital model, enabling the precise bending of each piece through a cable-controlled machine.
The machine design evolved to optimize bending forces and torsion applied to the material. The final version consists of a cubic frame with eight winch-controlled cables, which adjust the position and orientation of the lath in five degrees of freedom, controlling its curved geometry. This system allows for the creation of complex curves that would be difficult to achieve through traditional methods.
Parametric programs were used to geometrically define each element of the pavilion. The physical modeling approach allowed for the exploration of architectural forms through physical modeling, offering greater flexibility in designing complex shapes compared to digital modeling alone. This approach merges physical and digital techniques to achieve innovative results.
The pavilion showcases 140 unique laths, each made from beech timber sourced from Hooke Park. Its fluid and organic design emphasizes the experience of continuous, tangentially connected elements, demonstrating the potential of steam-bent wood in contemporary architecture. The project highlights the possibilities of combining traditional material techniques with digital technology for unique architectural outcomes.
2019
1920
Material: Beech wood sourced from Hooke Park
Process: Steam bending
Machine Design:
Cubic frame with 8 winch-controlled cables
Cables adjust the position and orientation of the lath in five degrees of freedom (5DOF)
The system allows precise control of lath curvature, including bending and torsion
Modeling Technique:
3D scanning of a 1:10 scale physical model
Conversion of scanned data into a digital model for geometric definition
Parametric programs used to define each element’s geometry
Pavilion Components:
140 unique laths
Each lath was steam-bent to its predefined geometry
Scale: 1:10 physical model used for scanning and data extraction
Design Focus:
Fluid, organic form with continuous, tangentially connected elements
Emphasis on the interaction between physical modeling and digital fabrication techniques
Technology:
3D scanning for accurate geometrical data extraction
Cable-controlled bending jig for flexible and precise manipulation of the material
STUDENTS
Hasan Danish
Omar Eqbal
Luis Gil
Raza Kazim
TUTORS
Martin Self (Programme Director)
Zachary Mollica (Specialist Lecturer)
Jack Draper (Make Tutor)
Hooke Park Team
Edward Coe (Technical Coordinator)
Charlie Corry Wright (Workshop Manager)
Jean-Nicolas Dackiw (Course Tutor Robotics Developer)
Christopher Sadd (Head Forester)
CREDITS
Arup (Engineering)
Jonathan Blayney (Visiting School Tutor)
Hooke Park Build 2019 Participants (Fabrication support)
Farid Younesi
