ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF TROPICAL FACADE SYSTEM

Abstract

What if we can 3D manufacture a comprehensive full-scale façade in the next five years? Additive Manufacturing (AM) has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry. Its freeform construction method allows the creation of continuous forms bridging the inadequacies of conventional construction methods that involves the use of formworks. This permits greater design freedom. Capitalising on the advantages of AM, we explored the creation of a unified façade system using complex 3D forms that is self-loading bearing, admits natural day lighting, prevents glare and contributes to the mitigation of urban flooding. Using Singapore as context, this paper documents our design process on how to create an integrative façade that responds to the hot and wet climate. The results from our simulation indicated that our façade design is effective in reducing the total solar heat gain by up to 66% as compared to vertical louvre system.