ITECH Research Pavilion 2024, Stuttgart, Germany

The ITECH Research Pavilion 2024 presents an innovative approach to bio-based hybrid architecture, featuring a first-of-its-kind system that combines timber and natural fibres. The novel process explores the architectural possibilities that arise from the complementary characteristics of both materials. In this context, timber’s compressive strength and shape flexibility are strategically integrated with natural fibres’ tensile abilities and versatility, enabling new directions in the design and fabrication of lightweight and performative hybrid structures. The project introduces the co-design of new computational design methods and multi-robot fabrication processes tailored to leverage the inherent characteristics of each material. The proposed timber-fibre hybrid approach not only pushes the boundaries of material innovation but also offers a regenerative pathway towards climate-positive practices in construction. The research builds upon a series of successful pavilions developed at the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) at the University of Stuttgart. The project was designed and fabricated by students and researchers from the ITECH master's program at the Cluster of Excellence "Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture (IntCDC)" at the University of Stuttgart.