Open Platform for Circular Timber Joints

Result

As part of the preparatory compulsory elective module ‘Digital Wood Joints 1:1’, a collection of new timber joints has been developed, which is documented on the ‘Halle 180 +’ knowledge platform: http://tiny.cc/f58d101. 

As a result of the research project, a prototype “tool” was programmed which converts a simple line drawing into a design for a shelving unit and automatically adds parametric timber joints. The cutting paths can be downloaded and produced using the Shaper Origin handheld CNC machine: https://www.ibp-edi.ch/openJoints.html. 

The project was concluded in September 2026 with the “Digital Wood” symposium, to which specialist groups from ETH and industry were invited to the ZHAW for an exchange of ideas.

Description

Reversible connections, assembled without glue and easy to take apart, are very important for circular, long-lasting constructions. But in industry, the use of glue and non-reversible connection systems is still the standard. The use of circular connections is hindered by three factors:

1. Current digital designs for circular joints are often proprietary (specific to a commercial software or fabrication machine)
2. They cannot be modified and adapted
3. They rely on pre-processed material

In our student projects, we design and build structures out of reclaimed materials, using digital tools. Participants often develop innovative, dismountable connection details, but they cannot be ”transported” to the next semesters, as we lack an appropriate exchange format. To counteract this loss of knowledge, and to boost the implementation of circular constructions, we want to create a publicly accessible platform for sharing innovative wood joints and connection systems in education and industry.

Key data

Further documents and links