Building the future
The Warrander Studio is not only New Zealand’s first full Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) house, but the entire building has been digitally designed and fabricated using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technologies.
As part of Ben Sutherland’s Master of Architecture thesis studies he has designed, researched and developed a prefabricated cassette panel cladding system (pictured right) to work with the CLT panel structure.
Under the supervision of Guy Marriage, a senior lecturer in the School of Architecture, Ben’s unique panelised cassette system has been conceived from his background skills as a qualified builder in conjunction with his architectural knowledge base.
The digitally fabricated cassette system in combination with CLT presents a completely new method of cost effective customised precision building. Using this technology allows the architect to create almost any imaginable building form efficiently, accurately, cost effectively and sustainably.
The development of this integrated system has subsequently led to the formation of a new collaborative architectural company named Makers of Architecture.
Not only has Ben developed the cassette cladding system, he is also building the prototype studio making him the builder, designer, student, and co-director of the company.
“The driver behind both our newly formed company and my thesis research has been based on the need for creating more efficient, high quality and low cost customised architectural building solutions,” says Ben.
“The fabrication system not only brings the building and architectural worlds closer together, but it also supports many efficiencies throughout the design and fabrication stages,” he says.
“Some of these efficiencies include precision manufacturing and fabrication, reduced labour and sustainable practices with minimised waste material.” These efficiencies accumulatively result in substantially decreased construction time and costs to projects.
To view more of the project process and Makers of Architecture visit makersofarchitecture.co.nz or email info@makersofarchitecture.co.nz.