Master Builders revisited : The importance of feedback loops: a case study using salvaged timber and wooden nails only

Abstract

In the light of today’s challenges regarding sustainable solutions for the built environment, our research focuses on building entire structures with timber only. Salvaged timber and wooden nails are selected as starting points to explore the structural and architectural possibility by following a timber-only concept. Reminding of the ancient Master Builder idea, the process of our investigations makes clear the importance of all steps and their distinct insights feeding back, following the loops from design to the assembly of the objects, in order to increase the efficiency of material use and optimize the functionality of the final object. In this paper we evaluate the feedback loops performed so far including the lessons learnt from success and failure in design, testing and manufacturing. We also look into the potential of increased structural and architectural quality of outputs and increased diversity of applications by our approach.