Reimagining timber: an integrated approach of resource efficient fabrication process for topologically optimized cross-laminated timber slabs

The project reimagines out-of-grade timber as a high-performance, customizable structural material through an intelligent design and construction methodology that integrates architecture, computational design, structural engineering, behavioral algorithms, and advanced manufacturing. The project establishes a real-time material processing system that forms a closed-loop feedback mechanism for structural adjustment and adaptive reuse. This approach fundamentally rethinks conventional sequential workflows in architecture and construction.

The exhibition showcased a series of scaled prototypes that explore this methodology, demonstrating its potential for long-span, large-scale timber structures. These prototypes highlight efficient fabrication workflows that leverage discrete assembly techniques, enabling precise construction while fostering closer collaboration between architects and structural engineers. By challenging traditional classification systems and fabrication constraints, the project envisions a future where timber construction is not only materially efficient, but also structurally expressive and technologically integrated.

The project REIMAGINING TIMBER was launched during Melbourne Design Week in May at Level 1 Foyer, RMIT Design Hub. The exhibition featured a small-scale prototype that served as a testbed for a broader agenda under the ARC Advance Timber Hub, Manufacturing Innovation research node exploring the future of timber architecture and structures. It was also proudly featured at the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) 2025, held in Brisbane in July. This global event brought together leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals to explore innovative approaches to timber design and construction. Showcasing this project on such a large international platform highlighted its contribution to pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture and advancing the role of timber in the built environment.

Project Leaders: Dr. Ding Wen ’Nic‘ Bao (RMIT, FormX & BWA), Dan Luo & Joe Gattas (UQ)
Designers: Nic Bao, Dan Luo & Joe Gattas
Structural Engineering: Nic Bao & Xin Yan
UQ Fabrication Lead: Lingju Wu
UQ Fabrication Team: Asteria Chen, Abbie Lin, Tyler Wang, Zhuoyang Xin
RMIT Fabrication Lead: Jinbang Liang & Parcey Liu
RMIT Fabrication Team: Kun Dai, Rita Lin, Zixin Wang, Amanda Chen, Harlan Guo
Post Production Team: Kang Liu & Kun Dai
Technical support: Ameba Institute of Engineering Structure Optimization & Karamba3D
Academic support: RMIT University RMIT Architecture RMIT College of Design and Social Context & The University of Queensland

Image Credit: Nic Bao, Joe Gattas and Amanda Chen

Read More: Here

Research Paper Link.