The core of the innovative Forstpavillon exhibition hall

The challenge

Utilise advanced knowhow, state-of-the-art technology and high-tech machines to build an ecological shell structure largely constructed of renewable forest resources. The team charged with making this ambitious project happen included the University of Stuttgart’s Institute for Computational Design, the Institute of Structural Design and Engineering and the Institute of Engineering Geodesy, as well as müllerblaustein HOLZBAUWERKE, a contractor that specialises in building innovative wood architecture, and Kuka Roboter GmbH, a manufacturer of industrial robotics. Together, they designed and built this unique wooden building on the grounds of the 2014 State garden show held in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, where the public marvelled at the singular structure.

Our solution

GUTEX Multiplex-top wood fibreboard ensures the longevity and healthy indoor climate of the lightweight shell structure, providing protection against condensation. It also complies with project requirements to use building materials made from regional renewable resources. The wood building itself comprises 243 elements, each individually computer-designed and joined via robotic-milled dovetailed joints like pieces of a 3D puzzle. The building’s exterior envelope consists of multiple layers.

Project features

  • Use of high-tech seven-axis robotic milling of lightweight elements, high-precision laser tracker, three-dimensional laser scanner and integrative computer software for design, simulation and analysis.
  • Maximum mean deviation of building elements is a mere 0.86 mm.
  • 7,600 geometrically different interlocking pins and tails.
  • A “Wood Building with Robotics” research project.

Construction solutions

Would you like to see the construction details? You'll find similar constructions described here.

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