Abstract:
In the context of constructing funicular shell structures, thin-tile vaulting is advantageous because of its formal flexibility, material efficiency, and reduction, if-not elimination of formwork, compared to other brick or voussoir-based vaulting techniques. This paper presents research on contemporary thin-tile vaulting, demonstrated through a large-scale prototype structure that minimizes the use of wasted formwork by capitalizing on the inherent properties of the historic technique. Autoclave-aerated concrete (AAC) bricks, whose porous body help maximize cohesion between masonry units and gypsum mortar, were laid over a flexible fiberglass “spline” guide-work system, which offered significant advantages – pushing the limits of compression-only structures that can be built efficiently, without compromising a desire for building evocative forms.
The last decade has seen a strong revival of free-form, Guastavino-inspired vault structures that often require custom-made, continuous formwork schemes that cannot be re-used. Such extensive formwork is counter-intuitive to tile-vaulting and brings to light the ethical and essential imperative to find ways of building vault structures that are not overly complex or wasteful. This paper will discuss the “Volta Porosa” prototype, its innovative combination of traditional methods with emerging and lightweight materials, as well as the design and construction process of which relied on an intuition for tile-laying sequencing and geometries that are partially self-supporting during construction. Ultimately, this paper presents a counter-narrative to recent trends in masonry research by promoting methods of creative structural design that produce a range of forms that are evocative yet can be built simply, efficiently, and with little waste.
Link to full paper “Tile Vaulting with Lightweight Concrete and Fiberglass Spline Formwork”
In the context of constructing funicular shell structures, thin-tile vaulting is advantageous because of its formal flexibility, material efficiency, and reduction, if-not elimination of formwork, compared to other brick or voussoir-based vaulting techniques. This paper presents research on contemporary thin-tile vaulting, demonstrated through a large-scale prototype structure that minimizes the use of wasted formwork by capitalizing on the inherent properties of the historic technique. Autoclave-aerated concrete (AAC) bricks, whose porous body help maximize cohesion between masonry units and gypsum mortar, were laid over a flexible fiberglass “spline” guide-work system, which offered significant advantages – pushing the limits of compression-only structures that can be built efficiently, without compromising a desire for building evocative forms.
The last decade has seen a strong revival of free-form, Guastavino-inspired vault structures that often require custom-made, continuous formwork schemes that cannot be re-used. Such extensive formwork is counter-intuitive to tile-vaulting and brings to light the ethical and essential imperative to find ways of building vault structures that are not overly complex or wasteful. This paper will discuss the “Volta Porosa” prototype, its innovative combination of traditional methods with emerging and lightweight materials, as well as the design and construction process of which relied on an intuition for tile-laying sequencing and geometries that are partially self-supporting during construction. Ultimately, this paper presents a counter-narrative to recent trends in masonry research by promoting methods of creative structural design that produce a range of forms that are evocative yet can be built simply, efficiently, and with little waste.
Link to full paper “Tile Vaulting with Lightweight Concrete and Fiberglass Spline Formwork”
Welding and Forging Pavilion - MIT
Cambridge, MA 2015/2016
Design and Construction Team:
Jonathan Dessi-Olive
Nick Krouwel
Project Advisers:
Mark West
John Ochsendorf
Other Projects: