ROK Architects works together with a team of researchers at the tech university ETH Zurich to create the Cadenza concrete spiral staircase. It is inspired by the spine and approaches construction with material-saving sustainability. The Cadenza staircase is the latest addition to the NEST building, which is a lab for experimental fabrication techniques by the school with other research institutes.
Head of the school, Benjamin Dillenburger shares, "Customised concrete structures are a challenge for conventional formwork. Digital design-to-production frameworks with 3D-printed formwork offer huge advantages for architectural expression, structural performance and material efficiency. The steps have a thickness of only 20 millimetres and have been structurally optimised for drastic weight reduction. Their production leads to little waste as a single set of 3D-printed formwork permits the production of all the steps."
Image Credit: ETH Zurich
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Eco-friendly Construction
- The use of material-saving techniques and digital design in the Cadenza staircase highlights a shift towards sustainable building practices.
- 3d-printed Formwork
- Digitally fabricated formwork allows for more complex and optimized designs, reducing waste and improving structural efficiency.
- Architectural Innovation
- Collaborative efforts between architects and researchers lead to innovative structures like the Cadenza staircase that push the boundaries of traditional architectural forms.
Sectors Adopting This
- Sustainable Architecture
- Adopting eco-friendly materials and designs in architectural projects is paving the way for more sustainable urban environments.
- 3D Printing
- The integration of 3D printing in construction allows for highly customized, efficient, and sustainable building processes.
- Educational Research
- Partnerships between universities and architectural firms for experimental projects are fostering a new era of innovation in building design.
