Building Bytes proposes a new method of fabricating architecture

About

Building Bytes proposes a new method of fabricating architecture; desktop 3D printers become portable, inexpensive brick factories for large-scale construction.

The first phase of this research was conducted during a 6-week residency at the European Ceramic Work Centre (sundaymorning@ekwc) which focused on how to 3D print with ceramics at the scale of architecture. Working within fixed limitations (the size of a desktop 3D printer, capacity of the material storage system and the properties of clay) led to research into bricks. While the material and building unit are ancient and fairly universal, Building Bytes proposes to revolutionize the fabrication technique.

This fabrication system, including the materials and technology, allows Building Bytes to be accessible worldwide. The bricks are made from a liquid slip cast recipe of earthenware ceramics, which is typically used for casting molds, while a standard desktop 3D printer is connected to an extrusion system consisting of plastic cartridges and air pressure. The only customization is a material extrusion head that only requires minimal changes to existing printers.
During the residency four potential applications were tested:
1) columns and towers
2) domes of interlocking bricks
3) vertical tiling
4) modular honeycomb stackable bricks

This research aimed to test the system with two design/ fabrication systems: uniformity (the same brick printed multiple times) and variation (unique bricks that create a specific form).

The next phase of research will investigate additional “byte” materials.

X-Brick
Designed to maximize visual opacity through walls, optimize printing time, limit material usage, and test non-modular constructions. The X-Brick prototype structure creates an undulating surface by using unique bricks per row.

Applications: Interior and Exterior Walls, Columns, Sun Shading

Printing time: 15 minutes
Layer height: 2mm
Material: White earthenware (slip cast recipe)
Finish: Raw – unglazed
Dimensions: 10cm x 20cm x 4cm


Ribbed Bricks



Designed for column applications, Ribbed Bricks have a distinct outer surface that is both structural and ornamental. The material stability while printing drives the unique outline, which can be designed any number of ways with no increase in fabrication complexity. Each brick in the column prototypes is unique.

Applications: Columns, Window or Door Openings

Printing time: 15 minutes
Layer height: 2mm
Material: White earthenware (slip cast recipe)
Finish: Raw – unglazed
Dimensions: 15cm x 15cm x 4cm

Interlocking Brick



These bricks are an exploration into the use of interlocking bricks in large dome structures. The interior bracing provides stability, while the exterior can expose the structure (as in the prototype) or be clad in another texture (which is integral to the brick design).

Applications: Walls, Domes, Vaults

Printing time: 20 minutes
Layer height: 2mm
Material: White earthenware (slip cast recipe)
Finish: Raw – unglazed
Dimensions: 10cm x 20cm x 4cm


Honeycomb Brick



One brick, three orientations. Honeycomb Bricks are modular and stackable, creating different forms based on their configuration. The assemblies shown are constructed from the standard Honeycomb Brick, offering a sample of the possible stacking configurations.

Applications: Interior and Exterior Walls, Sun Shading, Exterior Ground Cover

Printing time: 20 minutes
Layer height: 2mm
Material: White earthenware (slip cast recipe)
Finish: Raw – unglazed
Dimensions: 5cm x 20cm x 4cm

http://buildingbytes.info/about/