For centuries, carpenters and master builders developed sophisticated timber joinery and framing systems under tight constraints of material, labour, and craft. Their work shows that economy, efficiency, and expressiveness can reinforce one another rather than compete. Building on this legacy, our research revisits historic timber practices to extract structural principles, design logics, and construction workflows that can inform today’s engineered wood products.

Source: Aryan Rezaei Rad, “Mechanical Characterization of Integrally-Attached Timber Plate Structures: Experimental studies and macro modeling technique”, 2020.

Our research is situated at the intersection of multi-scale experimental and computational methods. With a specific emphasis on the structural engineering aspects, we explore design frameworks that promote the development of mass timber systems.

Research Themes and Projects

1- Digital Fabrication and Next-Generation of Cross-Laminated Mass Timber Structures

This research focuses on the development of a new typology of cross-laminated mass timber lateral structural systems using digitally fabricated components in order to achieve higher structural performance and more efficient use of material in the context of building more with less. The work involves a comprehensive program of experimental studies at both connection and system scales, integrated with simulation-based parameter investigations, database development, system-level assessments, and analytical modeling, all within the framework of performance-based engineering. The research seeks to redefine the role of digital fabrication in the timber industry by transforming it from a means of form-making into a structural design tool, where the integration of this technology’s precision and flexibility into the design phase unlocks new mechanical possibilities and expands opportunities for both architects and structural designers.

2- Generative Design and Computational Methods in Mass Timber Construction

This research focuses on generative design and performance analysis of cross-laminated timber (CLT) systems, with an emphasis on their role as lateral force-resisting elements in mass-timber buildings. By integrating generative design, algorithmica-aided design, and archetype development, our team investigates how wall geometry, connection design, and capacity-based detailing influence overall structural performance. This work aims to establish reliable frameworks for code-compliant design, supporting the broader adoption of resilient and sustainable mass-timber construction.

3- Integrating Spatial Form Exploration with Modular Timber Construction

This research focuses on the design and performance of modular mass timber systems with a possibility to be fabricated with autonomous robotic platforms. A range of archetypes, assemblies, and typologies are explored through simulation and modelling to evaluate structural behaviour, constructability, and assembly. Parametric tools are employed to generate adaptable geometries and iterative variations that integrate design with analysis, establishing a framework for the advancement and definition of modular mass timber systems.

4- Exploration of Mass Timber Floors with Robotic Fabrication Technology

This research primarily focuses on creating a pilot study on various reinforcing effects in CLT for the purpose of both ultimate and serviceability control in two-way bending. The research will entail geometrical exploration, finite element modelling, and experimental testing of varying design configurations that are selected based on the natural stress distribution of a panel in two-way bending. The results of this study will open avenues for future applications of robotically-fabricated design methods for mass timber reinforcement at 1:1 scale to mitigate inherent shortcomings of engineered wood products.

5- Design Optimization of Mass Timber Expansion Systems in High Performance Buildings

This reseaerch examines the analysis and design of mass timber typologies such as glulam and cross-laminated timber for the vertical expansion of aged structures in dense urban areas. Analytical models are developed to evaluate the strength, serviceability, and lateral performance of the mass timber systems and the impact on the existing structure. The results will demonstrate the suitability of mass timber for the adaptation of existing buildings for alternate/new service conditions.

6- Fast Deployable Reciprocal Timber Systems using Robotic Fabrication Technology

This reseaerch integrates design, robotic fabrication, and assembly of nexorade reciprocal timber structures in order to develop simplified construction assemblies for fast-deployable timber reciprocal structures. Core components of the research involve: (1) geometric processes using computational methods, (2) sequential assembly model development, (3) finite element analysis ,(4) robotic fabrication of elements, and (5) construction sequencing and feasibility. Following the hands-on experience constructing a robotically fabricated timber structure in collaboration with researchers/students from the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, this research largely focuses on developing an algorithmic approach to construction under a generalized model and challenges faced during the process. The integration of design, robotic fabrication, and generalized assembly implemented on a variety of nexorade structures will provide a path towards fast-deployable bio-based modular housing.