All six columns of this modern cave twist upward in different styles just like natural stalagmites.
3D printing technology does not just serve the purpose of printing small plastic objects thanks to recently launched cement developed by SCG.
At last week’s launch event, there was the display of the Y-BOX pavilion, 21st C. Cave, a 3m-tall cement construction featuring a modern-style cave with six columns which were printed with this newly-formulated cement.
Having been designed by Pitupong Chaowakul, an architect from Supermachine Studio, the pavilion was created through a combination of powder bed and inkjet head 3D printing and 3D extrusion printing. Powder bed and inkjet head 3D printing is recommended for creating art objects that require meticulous detail, while 3D extrusion printing is for constructing structural building elements or even whole buildings. It took three months to 3D print the entire cave construction.
Sanit Kessuwan, innovation and technology director at SCG Cement Building Materials, noted that the SCG team conducted research and development on automated construction systems based on 3D printing technology. The team formulated a special cement that provides high compressive strength and can transcend the design and construction limitations faced by conventional masonry. It is formulated to be used with various types of 3D printers.
“We would like to drive the construction industry in Thailand, and 3D printing technology is one of the innovations that will get more involved in the construction and architecture,” Sanit said.
3D printing technology offers the advantage of computerised design and production control, which makes it possible to shape practically any object. This technology is being applied in various fields of business, including food, healthcare, fashion, industrial designs, medical, construction and architecture. However, the printing systems and input materials vary according to different objectives of different applications.
The interior is lit by a 70cm geodesic lamp.
In developing the cement for 3D printing, Sanit added, SCG has worked with a company in Italy and it started printing clay.
“We then found an opportunity that it can be applied with cement. For any work pieces requiring design and customisation, 3D printing technology can fulfil the requirements,” he said.
Y-BOX pavilion, 21st C. Cave portrays an imagination within the design concept of “Innovation for Tomorrow”. The name “Y-BOX” poses a question regarding columns. As a fundamental element of buildings, the columns never seem to escape their design clichés due to industry limitations, resulting in repetitious use of square and tubal column designs or reliance on the shapes of profiled steel columns.
Today, 3D printing technology is bringing with it virtually unlimited design possibilities, and future columns will no longer be restricted to only a few old forms. The pavilion was designed as a cave of the 21st century to defy conventional architecture. For example, each of its six columns extends upward to support the roof in a non-uniform twist, similar to natural rock formations. The interior is lit by a beautiful 70cm geodesic lamp. The entire build comprises 180 triangular structural components. As a highlight technique, the design process for all these components was completely computerised in detail to achieve both the precision of jointing and the design aesthetic. As a result, their texture creates a newfangled beauty of shadows when they’re touched by the light. The overall result is a work of architecture that combines strength and natural beauty in perfect harmony, which cannot be achieved by conventional construction techniques.
Pitupong agreed that the Y-BOX pavilion seeks to provide the new definition of “columns”.
“Due to industrial reasons, columns usually have traditional forms,” he said. “If they are not made of steel, they are either round or square. However, 3D printing technology has now made it possible to create something different. Possibilities will be endless in the future.”
Prehistoric human dwellings were the inspiration of the Y-BOX pavilion, explained the architect. In ancient times, humans lived in caves so as to shelter themselves from natural disasters and aggressive animals. As humans have evolved, their growing knowledge has delivered increasingly advanced architecture. Humans, therefore, have no need to seek shelter inside caves any more. But just as caves have become irrelevant to modern-day life, they symbolise peace in a faraway land. Y-BOX pavilion, 21st C. Cave perfectly combines a cave-inspired natural atmosphere with the modern feel of construction innovations.
The design of Y-BOX pavilion, 21st C. Cave is unconventional. All six columns of this modern cave twist upward in different styles just like natural stalagmites. To complete its perfect look, this structure is adorned with a round geodesic lamp.
All parts of the construction are created based on a detailed, computer-aided plan. Not just their design but also their connecting points are meticulously drawn up to ensure that they give unusually beautiful reflections when the lamp is turned on.
Sanit Kessuwan, left, and Pitupong Chaowakul.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.