3D Printing Fuses Thai Craftsmanship to Create Habitable Concrete Structures

Siam Research and Innovation Company (SRI) is a Thailand-based cement manufacturer that has been developing innovations to push the limits of 3D printing in architecture. Their project 'Triple S' –developed in 2017– is based on traditional Thai craftsmanship to generate Surface, Structure, and Shelter in a single process; its specific artisanal form creating beautiful framework for structural purposes, easily building living spaces.

3D Printing Fuses Thai Craftsmanship to Create Habitable Concrete Structures - More Images+ 17

Courtesy of Lapyote Prasittisopin, Chanita Chuaysiri / Siam Research and Innovation

From the architects. 3D Concrete Printing - Triple "S" is a new evolution in 3D printing consisting of Surface, Structure, and Shelter design concepts. The size is 3.0 x 3.5 x 3.0 meters. Unlike previous developments, the design and 3D printing technology platforms work side-by-side. The advanced research of printing and materials allows the improvement of other dimensions such as structure, engineering, and architecture.

Diagram 3D Printing

The Triple “S” represents a surface transformation on the human scale using a function of the suitable size of printing nozzle compared to the pattern scale design to formulate a new surface transformation to function - the most sophisticated design method in architecture in this 3D printing work.

Courtesy of Lapyote Prasittisopin, Chanita Chuaysiri / Siam Research and Innovation

Typically, the outer surface layer and the inner truss of the 3D printing objects are included while designing. The inner truss is designed for structural purpose in order to withstand the load. The new surface transformation to function is designed to implement the outer surface layer to have the structural performance as inner truss; meanwhile, not leaving delicate and vigorous appearance from the outer surface. The designed surface can perform in both aesthetic and structural functions. Indeed, texture patterns developed in the Triple “S” derived from moving paths on load-bearing concrete structures.

Courtesy of Lapyote Prasittisopin, Chanita Chuaysiri / Siam Research and Innovation

The design concept of Triple "S" derives from Thai folk handicraft creating around 250 years ago in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the previous Thai capital. The weaving pattern is a fish-shaped ornament made of coconut leaf. The weaving pattern is designed to be modular and implement in a concrete block. The concrete is being extruded using 3D printing to increase its dimensions as its weaving appearance. After printing, the 3D printing concrete panel is fabricated with the pattern and serves as a structure for holding its weight. After fabrication, the weaving pattern of final module acts as a truss for structural purposes.    

Courtesy of Lapyote Prasittisopin, Chanita Chuaysiri / Siam Research and Innovation

The complexity of cementitious material technology is applied and incorporates 3D printing technology, along with the full understanding of the mechanism of printer movement allowing for less weight compared to a traditional fabrication unit such as precast. This allows the compressive strength greater than 45 MPa and the flexural strength greater than 80 MPa. Furthermore, a new surface transformation to function consumes less material since a double structure cladding system used in GRC technology is needed in order to support the weight itself for a more sustainable technique. With this new design creation and research in material technology, SCG believes it to be one of the leading developers in 3D printing for large structures.

Courtesy of Lapyote Prasittisopin, Chanita Chuaysiri / Siam Research and Innovation
Courtesy of Lapyote Prasittisopin, Chanita Chuaysiri / Siam Research and Innovation

Author: Lapyote Prasittisopin
Architect: Chanita Chuaysiri
Location: Siam Research and Innovation, Co. Ltd., 51 Moo 8 Tubkwang Kheangkhoi, Saraburi, Thailand
Year: 2017
Production Architect: Wannapol Sadakorn, Panus Pongpisitkul, Suppasith Wilaipun
Development Team: Chalermwut Snguanyat, Chawis Thongyothee, Naphat Taweekarn, Reakchai Sulakul, Phakhinai Thiphasri
Program: Office guardhouse
Size: 3.0 x 3.5 x 3.0 m
Material: 3D printing mortar

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Cite: AD Editorial Team. "3D Printing Fuses Thai Craftsmanship to Create Habitable Concrete Structures" 12 Feb 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/887403/3d-printing-fuses-thai-craftsmanship-to-create-habitable-concrete-structures> ISSN 0719-8884

Courtesy of Lapyote Prasittisopin, Chanita Chuaysiri / Siam Research and Innovation

泰国水泥制造商研发 3D 打印技术,混凝土居所已有雏形

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