FOLDED PLATE STRUCTURES AS BUILDING ENVELOPES

This paper treats applications of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in structural systems for folded facade solutions. Previous work on CLT-based systems for folded roofs has shown a widening range of structural possibilities to develop timber-based shells. Geometric and material properties play, however, an important role also for the enclosure, and climate and conceptual design procedures have been utilised to include these issues in early design phases. A current architectural trend proposes increasing complexity of the facades and in this context the paper proposes the application of folded CLT-based systems, which are studied and analysed by using a combination of digital tools for structural and environmental design and analysis. The results show gainful, rational properties of folded systems and beneficial effects from an integration of architectural and environmental performance criteria in the design of CLT-based facades.