Developing Resource-Informed Lightweight Lattice Systems: Hybrid of 3D Printable Lattice and 3D Scanned Non-Standard Wood

This research presents a resource-informed building system that integrates 3D-printed lattice structures with reclaimed, non-standard wood elements. These include irregular logs and a tabletop made out of reclaimed wood. Both elements are 3D-scanned to generate high-resolution digital models, including point clouds, workable meshes, and texture maps. The digital data informs the design of lightweight, adaptable, and printable lattice structures, which are 3D-printed and later assembled onto logs and a tabletop, forming a hybrid system at the meso scale. Through integrated computational design using topology optimization, the research explores various lattice configurations aimed at producing support-free, infill-free structures that minimize material usage while maximizing structural performance. Two distinct design strategies are tested: one involves assembling the 3D-printed lattices directly onto the wood logs, while the other positions a table top made out of reclaimed wood on a pre-printed lattice structure. Robotic milling, and a few manual crafting methods are employed to shape the logs and to assemble reclaimed wood pieces together, ensuring smooth integration with the lattice structures. This project emphasizes resource-informed design by utilizing reclaimed wood in conjunction with digital fabrication technologies, offering an approach to circular design and construction. The research demonstrates how combining natural, irregular materials with digitally fabricated components can produce lightweight, structurally optimized solutions, showcasing new possibilities for integrating reclaimed, non-standard materials into modern architectural workflows. The findings highlight the potential for hybrid systems in advancing both sustainable practices and flexible, efficient material use for resource- and data-driven design.