Researchers at the Gramazio Kohler Research institute, part of ETH Zürich, designed an acoustic wall of identical timber blocks, which was assembled in an augmented assembly process.

Firstly, the computational design software articulates the timber blocks on a given base curve, allowing for the specification of the length, the height, and the number of timber blocks within the acoustic wall. In addition, it is possible to define additional parameters, such as the degree of acoustic diffusion, the custom pattern image, and the gap distribution of the bond.

The acoustic diffusion is achieved by shifting the wooden blocks back and forth along their longitudinal axis. The 1444 identical blocks were then placed in a synchronous augmented assembly process. Using a programme on a smartphone, the builders could visualise the building instructions directly on the screen.

The wall, which measures 5.3 by 2.5 metres (17.3 by 8.2 ft), was designed for the Touch Wood exhibition at Zentrum Architektus Zurich Bellerive.

Photos: Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zurich