High-performance studio microphones built in the UK
We supported StructureCraft on the geometry optimization and parametric modelling of the timber roof of the N4 Restaurant in Chendu.
The roof is 40x15m and it is composed by a grid of timber elements twisted along the length of the building. The roof is exposed from the inside, leaving the timber and geometry to characterize the inner space.
The restaurant won a Prix-Versailles prize in 2023.
Both sides of the roof are doubly curved surfaces. The initial proposal was to discretize the timber in single straight segments from node to node, an impracticable solution due to the amount of unique piece and joints.
We created a solution where all beams on each roof are coplanar, singly curved and build out of glulam billets of just 4 different radii.
The solution found a compromise between cost, feasibility and elegance whilst maintaining the architectural intent and ensuring achievable fabrication and assembly procedures.
The parametric modelling was carried out by a series of scripts/grasshopper definitions. We used Speckle as main tool for data management and storage. Each architectural object, both physical (a beam segment) and abstract (a beam-beam intersection), were treated as nested and mutual referenced objects from the beginning.
During the process of modelling, while the unknowns of the projects are unlocked, those objects are populated with more properties and data following the process from initial design to fabrication. We split the model in 4 different phases, each of one enables a different level of abstraction and defines constraints and parameters for the next phase.
N4-3 Restaurant at Jiaozi Financial Street, Chendu, China
client: StructureCraft
architect: Beehive/Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design & Research Institute
principal contractor: SKF Construction
year: 2021
https://structurecraft.com/projects/n4-3-restaurant
https://www.prix-versailles.com/2023