Slow WOODs - Computational Methods for Wood Off-cuts in Architecture
(2026) ASEM01 20251Department of Architecture and Built Environment
- Abstract
- The current construction industry produces enormous quantities of wood waste, much of which is not utilised, despite wood being a renewable and versatile material. This thesis introduces a computational framework to repurpose wood offcuts into modular, load-bearing components for small-scale architectural applications. The goal is to transform discarded wood into valuable building elements by leveraging computational design, parametric modelling, and sustainable assembly techniques. This approach reduces construction waste and demonstrates the potential of wood as a critical material for circular-economy-driven architecture.
The experiment employs a three-step computational process. First, wood off-cuts are procedurally generated based... (More) - The current construction industry produces enormous quantities of wood waste, much of which is not utilised, despite wood being a renewable and versatile material. This thesis introduces a computational framework to repurpose wood offcuts into modular, load-bearing components for small-scale architectural applications. The goal is to transform discarded wood into valuable building elements by leveraging computational design, parametric modelling, and sustainable assembly techniques. This approach reduces construction waste and demonstrates the potential of wood as a critical material for circular-economy-driven architecture.
The experiment employs a three-step computational process. First, wood off-cuts are procedurally generated based on typical CDWW (Construction and Demolition Wood Waste) cross-sections and lengths, and stored as a digital inventory of random waste wood elements, simulating real-world waste. Second, these elements are combined to form standardised building modules using parametric tools and connected with dry-joint dowels, ensuring adaptability and disassembly. Finally, the computational methodology for designing with wood off-cuts is developed and structural integrity is evaluated through simulations with Karamba3D and Grasshopper. At the end, physical small-scale experimentation validates the computational model’s buildability and developed methods are tested in a small case scenario project.
To demonstrate practical application, the developed systems are applied on a small-scale digital experimental building scenario, highlighting their functionality, adaptability, and flexibility. The state-of-the-art pavilion design developed as a proposal for the Slow Down Copenhagen Architecture Biennale 2025 competition serves as an example of a real-world application set in context and validates the practical use of the computational methodology applied in practice. The results underscore the potential of integrating digital techniques with sustainable practices to transform waste into resource-efficient, structurally sound, and aesthetically versatile architectural solutions. This thesis contributes to the advancement of sustainable architecture by addressing material inefficiency and showcasing innovative methodologies for rethinking construction practices. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9221099
- author
- Trochimowicz, Sandra Natalia LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- ASEM01 20251
- year
- 2026
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- computational design, wood waste, off-cuts, modular construction, parametric modeling, sustainable architecture, circular economy, algorithmic assembly, structural optimisation, Karamba3D, Grasshopper, Python, Stock matching and cutting, Pavilion, Copenhagen Biennial 2025
- language
- English
- id
- 9221099
- date added to LUP
- 2026-01-27 11:06:08
- date last changed
- 2026-01-27 11:06:08
@misc{9221099,
abstract = {{The current construction industry produces enormous quantities of wood waste, much of which is not utilised, despite wood being a renewable and versatile material. This thesis introduces a computational framework to repurpose wood offcuts into modular, load-bearing components for small-scale architectural applications. The goal is to transform discarded wood into valuable building elements by leveraging computational design, parametric modelling, and sustainable assembly techniques. This approach reduces construction waste and demonstrates the potential of wood as a critical material for circular-economy-driven architecture.
The experiment employs a three-step computational process. First, wood off-cuts are procedurally generated based on typical CDWW (Construction and Demolition Wood Waste) cross-sections and lengths, and stored as a digital inventory of random waste wood elements, simulating real-world waste. Second, these elements are combined to form standardised building modules using parametric tools and connected with dry-joint dowels, ensuring adaptability and disassembly. Finally, the computational methodology for designing with wood off-cuts is developed and structural integrity is evaluated through simulations with Karamba3D and Grasshopper. At the end, physical small-scale experimentation validates the computational model’s buildability and developed methods are tested in a small case scenario project.
To demonstrate practical application, the developed systems are applied on a small-scale digital experimental building scenario, highlighting their functionality, adaptability, and flexibility. The state-of-the-art pavilion design developed as a proposal for the Slow Down Copenhagen Architecture Biennale 2025 competition serves as an example of a real-world application set in context and validates the practical use of the computational methodology applied in practice. The results underscore the potential of integrating digital techniques with sustainable practices to transform waste into resource-efficient, structurally sound, and aesthetically versatile architectural solutions. This thesis contributes to the advancement of sustainable architecture by addressing material inefficiency and showcasing innovative methodologies for rethinking construction practices.}},
author = {{Trochimowicz, Sandra Natalia}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Slow WOODs - Computational Methods for Wood Off-cuts in Architecture}},
year = {{2026}},
}