A remarkable full-scale pavilion, named Arkhive, has been developed by master's students from the Design for Manufacture (DfM) program at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. This innovative project delves into the possibilities of robotic fabrication and reconfigurable construction methods through an adaptable timber truss framework. The structure utilizes an interlocking joinery system, enabling precise assembly and a high degree of flexibility.
Arkhive was conceived as a proof-of-concept for construction systems prioritizing full disassembly, reconfiguration, and material reuse. Designed and built collaboratively by students and faculty, the self-supporting structure features two twisting timber arches anchored to steel plinths. These arches are robustly stabilized by ladder-beam trusses, assembled with robotic precision, which also define the pavilion's overall structural logic.
The ladder-beam system is ingeniously crafted from a custom arrangement of standardized timber rails and cam-lock connections. This design facilitates the assembly, disassembly, and recombination of individual components without material degradation, promoting adaptability for numerous future configurations. The components were meticulously fabricated and assembled using two industrial robotic arms, achieving a level of accuracy unattainable through traditional manual construction and underscoring an automation-driven approach to timber building.
By integrating robotic manufacturing with reversible joinery, Arkhive stands as a pioneering model for modular timber construction, emphasizing material efficiency and long-term reusability. This structure functions as a 'material bank,' where individual components retain their inherent value, allowing them to be repurposed in subsequent architectural projects. This forward-thinking approach not only highlights the ingenuity of the students and staff involved but also points towards a more sustainable and resource-conscious future for the construction industry, where buildings can evolve and adapt to changing needs, reducing waste and maximizing the lifecycle of materials.