NBP 2020 - Eggshell: Future Tree

NBP Research Leads:

• Joris Burger
• Ena Lloret-Fritschi

Extended Team:

• Jaime. J. Mata Falcón, Prof. Walter Kaufmann
• Thibault Demoulin, Sarah Mantellato, Lex Reiter Tim Wangler, Martin Keller, Andreas Reusser, Heinz Richner, Prof. Robert Flatt
• Fabio Scotto, Anna Szabo, Nizar Taha, Aleksandra Anna Apolinarska, Prof. Fabio Gramazio, Prof. Matthias Kohler

External Collaborators:

• Basler & Hofmann AG
• ERNE AG Holzbau
• SJB Kempter Fitze AG
• Ostschweizer Fachhochschule Rapperswil

The “Eggshell” process is a novel fabrication process for non-standard, reinforced and cast concrete structures using thin 3D-printed formwork to maximize material efficiency, and minimise waste.

Additionally this project work and its results led to the development of programming and digital design tools – 3D printing libraries for COMPAS FAB – in collaboration with Prof. Benjamin Dillenburger. The collaboration with the Ostschweizer Fachhochschule Rapperswil on the recyclability of the eggshell formwork demonstrates a wider collaborative research engagement across institutions, and the ambition to tackle sustainability challenges through circular design strategies.

This research developed rapidly into the methods deployed in construction of the Future Tree: a project for the new HQ of the engineering firm Basler&Hofmann.

Project Links:

• Eggshell at GKR
• FutureTree at GKR (video)
• The FutureTree - Basler & Hofmann (Video)