The Smart Masonry is a structural design and a construction method, based on traditional masonry techniques. It deploys the digital optimization to minimize dead-weight of the skeleton and the robotic construction technique to assemble complex geometry. The proposed method is linked to the purpose and place of the building- Makers Center in Berlin.
The machinery , which used for the construction of the building, will be preserved as its a core and will drive its the main function. The structural concept represents one seamless mesh, instead of walls, columns, beams, etc. It is designed as a minimal surface, whose stress-pattern is optimized and materialized as a load-bearing pattern.
The construction method mixes advantages of 3d printing and large prefabricated elements. The robotic construction station with robotic arm manipulators allows to build a complex geometry floor-by-floor. It is compact and labor-effective comparing to traditional methods, and fast comparing to 3d printing.
The discretization of the load-bearing skeleton is implemented with unique concrete elements, whose geometrical and material properties are varied gradually regarding local structural demands. ‘‘Positive Casting’’ is a new resource-effective technique. It was elaborated in order to produce above mentioned unique elements. Source by ZA architects.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Architects: ZA architects
Architect In Charge: Dmytro Zhuikov, Arina Agieieva
Advisors: Krassimir Krastev, Joris Fach
Year: 2015
Photo and images: Courtesy of ZA architects
