Industrially manufactured net-zero timber-earth slabs for multi-storey timber construction

The production of floor slabs with their high requirements for fire protection, thermal mass, and sound insulation is a central challenge in multi-storey timber construction. The research project explores the possibilities of timber-earth slabs (T.E.S.) that can meet such high demands while being fully recyclable. T.E.S. comprises a hybrid structure, which aims to combine the strong tensile properties of wood with the beneficial properties of earth in terms of thermal mass, thermal activation capabilities, fire resistance, and sound insulation. It integrates a novel material technology capable of casting earth with low water content and combines it with robotic technology that enables the bespoke fabrication of a filigree wooden structure tailored to mechanically interlock with the earth infill. 

 Collaborators

• Janna Vollrath, M.Sc. (Professorship for Digital Fabrication)
• Dominik Merk, M.Sc. (Chair of Timber Structures and Building Construction)
• Ahmad Nouman, M.Sc. (Chair of Building Technology and Climate Responsive Design)
• Tilmann Jarmer, Architekt M.A. (Chair of Architectural Design and Construction)

 Funding programme

• The research is funded by the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR)  (2023-2025) 

 In cooperation with

• Leipfinger Bader Ziegelwerke
• müllerblaustein
• Blumer Lehmann
• Oxara

Recognition

• Hochschulpreis Holzbau 2021

Duration

• 2023-2025

 Publications