TESTUDO DIGITAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION & ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE AND ENCLOSURE Benjamin Chong | Simon Rocknathan | Tay Boon Kiat | Teo Shao Tian | Zhuo Feiyan
CONCEPT Inspired by the shell of the tortoise, TESTUDO attempts to mimic the double-curved surface solely using slotted plywood panels. Our project exploits the shell’s strength and spatial qualities to create a robust and cozy canopy.
CODE This grasshopper code allows us to visualise our canopy structure and alter various parameters to achieve a desirable result. It also provides some aid when preparing for fabrication
CODE CONTINUATION
ITERATIONS 1:5 scale massing model
1:1 scale detail model
Modifications
Additional braces Improve slot intersections
Catenary curved structure
DRAWINGS
Top View
Front View
Side View
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
878
755
759
300
1594
759
2811
2000
582
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF CANOPY Utilising a catenary curve, we aim to redirect vertical loads into compression forces along the curve. This allows the loads to align with the wall bolts, transferring the forces to the wall.
TENSION
TENSION
COMPRESSION COMPRESSION
COMPRESSION
KARAMBA ANALYSIS OF MOUNT
Side View
Front View
Top View
Isometric View
DISPLACEMENT : 193MM
COMPONENT DIMENSIONS 01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
15
14
16
17
18
A1E B1E 5
A2 B2 200
A3 B3 A4 B4
10
A5E
6
50 209
176x
B5E
04
03 02
03 02
02
02 01
01
70
54
8x
32x
01
35
35
31
85
15x
31
31
39
93
67
26x
81
50x
85
26x
34
23
148
57
71
58
71
58
71
59
226
16x
54x
6x
28x
3x
13x
24x
02
03
04
FABRICATION CONSIDERATIONS
Every panel has unique identification
Bevel cut for slanted slots
Testing alignment of slots & braces
Wood glue for all joints
ASSEMBLY PROCESS
1
Connect sister panels together with small joints
2
Attach second row with large joints and brace
3
Repeat along the row, before starting the next row
4
Repeat Steps 1-3 for each row until complete
MOUNT DIMENSIONS
445
66 9
502
96
9
814
9 62
479
96
9
300
660
x2
x2
x2
MOUNTING PROCESS
1
Glue support arms to back panel
3 2
Secure support to canopy along support arms
Bolt through back panel to wall
RESULT RESULT
INTERLOCKING SLOTS Using no metal screws or joints, the structure is held together by slotting wood panels at specific angles, to create a structure which is able to hold itself together. Wood glue is used to further reinforce the joints.
FILLETED EDGES Filleting the external edges of the panels allow for easier placement of slotting pieces and to minimize sharp corners for safety. Filleting internal edges reducing load concentration at specific points, allowing for more evenly distributed forces.
DOUBLE CURVE STRUCTURE WITH CATENARY ARCH
Made from 487 individual wood pieces, the overall design allows for a stable canopy structure