Open Platform for Circular Timber Joints

Creation of an open‑source platform for developing and sharing innovative timber joints that can be parametrically adapted to various recycled materials, with the aim of advancing the widespread use of circular and sustainable constructions in furniture, exhibition design, and architecture.

Key data

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:

Current digital designs for circular joints are often proprietary (specific to a commercial software or fabrication machine)
They cannot be modified and adapted
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.