Timber Modular Joinery System Study
Material Study
2021Spring, B.Arch Year 1
Arch 1102: Design studio II
Winner of Cornell York Prize Competition
This project explores modular assembly through a timber joinery system made of two components: a straight wood piece and a steam-bent curved surface. The steam-bending process allows the wood to be shaped with minimal resistance while retaining strength. The components are held together using the wood’s natural elasticity, forming a triangular module from six identical units.
The system was further applied to the York Prize Cube, where eight identical joint modules assembled into a cube that can be fully disassembled. This study highlights a scalable and adaptable construction method that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern modular design.
Timber Bending and Tension-Integrated Bookshelf
This project expands the study of wood bending and tension into furniture design, developing a small-scale prototype for book storage and display. It incorporates steel wire alongside steam-bent wood, replacing one module component with twisted wire. The wire’s strong tension not only bends the wood but also introduces a twisting effect.
By analyzing hole placement on the wood surface and the tension’s magnitude, two S-shaped modules were selected to create three book interaction methods: books hang between curves for storage, rest on wires for closed display, and are showcased on intersecting curves for open display. Fabricated using the steam-bending method, the project merges material elasticity with structural adaptability, offering a dynamic approach to book presentation.
Bowing Shadow Bus Stop Pavilion
Located on an empty lawn slope in front of Boynton Middle School, “Bowing Shadow” is an abstract, playful bus stop designed to encourage active play and quiet reading. Surrounded by the Renwick Wood Nature Reserve, the project takes advantage of abundant softwood resources. It employs a modular system composed of a straight wood piece and a steam-bent curved timber surface. The steam-bending method allows the wood to curve without significant resistance, and the natural elasticity of the material creates strong, adaptable connections.
By varying the dimensions and curvature of these components, the design responds to the steep landscape while providing multifunctional spaces. The circular “S” plan features an outer one-layer seating area for bus riders and an inner space for reading, book storage, and exploration. The orientation of the installation is thoughtfully planned so that daylight enhances different areas throughout the day.
