LAMINATED NODES FOR A ROUND TIMBER STRUCTURE

This research investigates the design and fabrication ofalaminated timber node connection inabranched roundwood structure. The node was designed using parametric modelling and digital fabrication to resolve complex 3-dimensional non-coplanar connections between round timber members inacolumnar frame structure, designed and fabricated to be realized in 1:1 exhibition pavilion⁴. Using bespoke laminations of LVL billets arranged in an optimized 3-dimensional layup, the node design investigates novel techniques to maximize the billet overlap for structural integrity while minimizing the amount of timber wastage. A key innovation in the node design was the sophisticated 3-dimensional resolution of the non-coplanar mitring of branch arms, resulting inasemi rigid connection withahigh degree of moment resistance, but also an elegant expression of the timber grain in the node, as it maintains tangential direction corresponding to the intersecting round timber member.