Work

Ephemeral walls for natural, flexible living

Year: 2024

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: This paper explores the feasibility of developing flexible engineered timber partitions using digital tools for adaptable and flexible housing. For the past decades, a shift in gender roles, an ageing population, new ways of forming families, globalisation and a population in constant motion, a rigid construction sector, and the way we design our cities are necessitating a change toward spaces that are adaptable to our changing needs. In order to address this need in part through flexible engineered timber partitions, extensive testing was undertaken to study the flexibility of timber through kerf patterns. These partitions folded through kerf hinges are modular, easy to fabricate, affordable, and can be placed anywhere within an apartment. Even more, as the partitions are considered a kit of parts designed to be disassembled, they can be reused in the future, promoting a circular economy. All the materials are natural. In the 21st century, with such technological advancements, the climate emergency, and citizens in constant motion, flexibility and customisation should be at the forefront of housing design.

Source: IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science

DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/1402/1/012035

Authors: Ana Gatóo, Michael H. Ramage, Ron Bakker

Institutions: University of Westminster, University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Architecture and Computational Design

Subfield: Architecture

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Arts and Humanities Research Council