Ongoing projects
 |
Modeling of Through Tenons Joints… The objective of this research is first to completely characterized the local mechanical behavior of the through-tenon joint as solely its rotational stiffness has been thoroughly studied. Shear tests and traction and compression tests are carried out. more informations |
 |
Robotic assembly: if most of timber structures still have metallic connectors, digital fabrication now allows the making of complex wooden joints at cheaper cost. However, the assembling process remains a heavy manual work. Using robots to assemble these elements could reduce the arduousness as well as the cost of timber construction. The aim of the research is to develop an efficient workflow for integrally attached timber plate structures from 3D modeling to robotic assembly. more informations |
 |
Mechanical Characterization and Macro Models: There have been very few systematic investigations of the mechanical characteristics of IMA timber-to-timber connections. Evaluating the performance of IMA connections, the behavior of such connections are studied under different load combinations, namely in-plane load-bearing, out-of-plane shear, bending, and traction. The idealized response is directly used in further macro models. more informations |
 |
Prefabricated Structural Timber Elements: the purpose of this research is to present the development and mechanical behavior of standard structural elements using Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) panels for slab or roof components using wood-wood connections. more informations |
 |
Woodworking joints: The main objective of research is to exploit local wood resources and its non-uniform natural characteristics when it is possible without importing timber-engineered products as is currently done. Thanks to digital fabrication and geometry processing techniques such as mesh processing, 5-axis CNC milling and laser scanning it is possible to apply traditional carpentry jointing techniques for custom architectural geometries made from locally sawn solid timber elements. more informations |
Previous projects
 |
The Annen Project consists in a series of 23 vaults with spans ranging from 22.5m to 53.7m. Each arch is a double-curved shell structure. A prototype with 7.1 m span, 1.75 m width and 2 m height has been built for an exposition at the Advances in Architectural Geometry (AAG) conference in September 2016 and has been re-built for the Open Days 2016 of the EPFL. watch the video / more informations |
 |
Vidy Theatre: The construction of Vidy theatre pavilion which can be taken apart, designed in the IBOIS (Laboratory of Timber Constructions of EPFL) provides the implementation of unprecedented support structure exclusively made of wood panels. Its double folded plate structure holds its mechanical performance from the rigidity of the joints. The panels are joined by innovative wood-wood connections. watch the video / more informations |
 |
Interlocking folded plates: The video demonstrates the use of two custom-built computational tools for the production of a surface-active “timber folded plate” structure, built from timber plate components. The plates are connected solely through form-fitting “integral” joints. The fabrication of these joints takes advantage of 5-axis CNC technology, which is widely available in timber construction companies. watch the video / more informations |
 |
Curved Folded Wood Pavilion : a thin shell structure made from CLT: The prototype entirely designed and sized by experts of IBOIS, was a shell-shaped structure, composed of curved panels of cross-laminated timber. Thanks to its particular folded shape, the lightweight construction spanned over 13.5m with a uniform thickness of only 77mm. watch the video / more informations |