CUSTOMIZED JOINTS AND PARAMETRIC MODELING IN BUILDINGS DESIGNED FOR DISASSEMBLY : ALLOWING MORE DESIGN INPUT BY ARCHITECTS IN DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY BUILDINGS

Abstract

With the decrease of resources for construction and the ailing condition of the Earth, it is highly possible that construction materials will be limited, coupled with huge volumes of waste production, this thesis projects a high rate of reuse of construction materials. As recycling of construction material will require large amounts of energy, the best way to reduce construction waste will be to reuse them. Furthermore, the building structure very often outlasts the programme it houses and resulting in the demolition of these buildings way before the end of their service lives.

Designing for disassembly is often seen as a solution to the underlying problems of material scarcity and environmental degradation. The theory involves a rethink of how buildings are being constructed, creating an almost complete loop in terms of material use, with reuse of materials playing an essential part in the system. To achieve a closed material loop, certain principles are adopted in the theory. However, application of certain principles greatly decreases the design flexibility of the building especially the structure; this is especially true when standardize joinery are used.

The advancement of technology in design software and fabrication techniques presents an opportunity for customized joints. The use of customized joints is proposed as a solution to the restrictions that the design for disassembly theory presents; customized joints not only allows flexibility to the building structure, but also accommodates varying lengths, profiles and sizes of components.

The thesis proposes the integration of the design for disassembly system with customized joints and parametric software, producing a new building system which allows the architects to have more design input in the process of designing such buildings through better control of components and the ability to generate joints more efficiently.