Structuring architecture with salvaged timber: Exploring an interlocking modular system and beyond

Abstract

This paper explores an interlocking modular system constructed from salvaged timber through an integrated structural and architectural design process. Starting from a simple reciprocal frame concept, two design cases were developed from different types of deriving logic. Physical prototypes were constructed at full scale using locally salvaged timber in both cases. An experimental loading test was performed for one prototype under specific loading and boundary conditions according to its potential structural application. The test results demonstrate the structural potentials and limits of the prototype. Through rethinking the design, making and testing of the presented cases, the relationship of structure and architecture is extensively discussed, where structuring architecture is proposed as an alternative approach to pursuing sustainability.