As part of an in-depth study in technology and architecture, Gramazio Kohler Research at ETH Zurich produced a prototype for a modular floor slab made of CLT panels. The structural idea is based on the principle of folding to achieve structural height in a material-efficient way. The project is entirely written in Python and set up parametrically.
By using X-fix, all connections are dry, no metal is needed, and structural connections are even possible with panels meeting almost in parallel, which conventional wood-to-wood panel connections like tenons do not allow. Furthermore, the wood-to-wood connections do not require a strict assembly order, and absolute disassembly and processing are guaranteed.
The produced mockup is a quarter of a whole module and was milled 1:1 with a 6-axis CNC for connection tests and assembly exercises.
The project demonstrates how X-fix can be a connection solution for complex geometries.
Images and Text: © Dominic Weber / ETH Zurich
