Sibling Bench
Type: Sculpture
Medium: Rhino + Grasshopper
Material: Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
Year: 2024
Medium: Rhino + Grasshopper
Material: Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
Year: 2024
Completed through DIALOG in partnership with Concept Lab by Fast + Epp
Collaborators: Brandon Sullivan, Bernhard Zarnitz, Edward Park, Stewart Burgess, Ryan McClanaghan, Robert Jackson, Tobias Fast
CLT, constructed with local and sustainable wood, stands out as a champion of mass timber construction. It's a powerful tool for reducing embodied carbon in our buildings. Last year Fast + Epp undertook a government-funded research program to test CLT building components in their product development laboratory, Concept Lab. As a result of the testing program, a significant amount of CLT waste was produced. Large portions of the test specimens are functionally and aesthetically perfect, but there is no satisfactory method to currently reuse the material. To minimize the waste from this process and demonstrate the application for larger manufacturing processes, creative reuse of materials is being developed by Concept Lab and DIALOG to help create a circular economy and more sustainable future. Robotically Sculpted Sibling Benches:
The outcome from the current study is set of ‘sibling benches’ that will live in part at Concept Lab and part at DIALOG – a freeform sculptural timber installation that makes functional use of material that would otherwise be thrown away. Inspiration for the design comes from the fluid geometries of heritage wooden boats, a vessel to propel the industry forward. The two sides come together to create a united free-flowing object, while individual modules can be pulled out as single seats. The amorphous shape lends itself to potential alternate creative uses such as display pedestals, side tables, and more.
The first several chairs of the Sibling Benches have been fabricated by mounting CLT billets at 45 degrees and carving 15mm steps with an ABB6-axis robot arm to create an interesting texture on the chair that retains clear demonstration of the fabrication process. The success of this prototype is leading to many interesting ideas for furniture, stairs, sculptures, art, and other products that can be made from CLT cutoffs.
Showcased at Interior Design Show Vancouver 2024. Presented at Design Vancouver Festival 2024.
Collaborators: Brandon Sullivan, Bernhard Zarnitz, Edward Park, Stewart Burgess, Ryan McClanaghan, Robert Jackson, Tobias Fast
CLT, constructed with local and sustainable wood, stands out as a champion of mass timber construction. It's a powerful tool for reducing embodied carbon in our buildings. Last year Fast + Epp undertook a government-funded research program to test CLT building components in their product development laboratory, Concept Lab. As a result of the testing program, a significant amount of CLT waste was produced. Large portions of the test specimens are functionally and aesthetically perfect, but there is no satisfactory method to currently reuse the material. To minimize the waste from this process and demonstrate the application for larger manufacturing processes, creative reuse of materials is being developed by Concept Lab and DIALOG to help create a circular economy and more sustainable future. Robotically Sculpted Sibling Benches:
The outcome from the current study is set of ‘sibling benches’ that will live in part at Concept Lab and part at DIALOG – a freeform sculptural timber installation that makes functional use of material that would otherwise be thrown away. Inspiration for the design comes from the fluid geometries of heritage wooden boats, a vessel to propel the industry forward. The two sides come together to create a united free-flowing object, while individual modules can be pulled out as single seats. The amorphous shape lends itself to potential alternate creative uses such as display pedestals, side tables, and more.
The first several chairs of the Sibling Benches have been fabricated by mounting CLT billets at 45 degrees and carving 15mm steps with an ABB6-axis robot arm to create an interesting texture on the chair that retains clear demonstration of the fabrication process. The success of this prototype is leading to many interesting ideas for furniture, stairs, sculptures, art, and other products that can be made from CLT cutoffs.
Showcased at Interior Design Show Vancouver 2024. Presented at Design Vancouver Festival 2024.
