Treehugger Pavillon

Koblenz

2011

As a research and development project the “Treehugger Pavilion” was an exploration of algorithmic design methods in relation to the tectonics of modular timber construction and the possibilities of local craftsmanship.

Treehugger, exterior

The project was initiated by Dipl.-Des. Christoph Krause, the then head of the “Centre for Design, Production and Communication” at the Koblenz Chamber of Crafts, with the aim to train students and craftsmen alike in a kind of digital construction hut. The pavilion that resulted from this collaboration was built for the Federal Garden Show (BuGa) in Koblenz in summer 2011.

“Treehugger’s” design was developed by students at Trier University of Applied Sciences under the direction of Prof. Holger Hoffmann/one fine day. Frankfurt-based “office for structural design” (OSD) was responsible for the structural design of the project. OCHS Holzbau, Kirchberg, carried out the wood-steel construction. In addition to the purely architectural aspects of the project, an integrated interactive light installation was also developed by the Intermedia Design Department in collaboration with the Computer Science Department of Trier University of Applied Sciences.

Treehuger, merry-go-round
Treehugger; Limetree

Structural Ornamentation

Treehugger, Structural Ornament

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On the aesthetics of an exhibited pentagonal substructure.

In its polygonal and multidirectional appearance, the treehugger integrates the requirements of the supporting structure and its tectonic logic with a decidedly ornamental spatial aesthetic.

The pentagonal lattice developed for the pavilion does not depend on an otherwise common structural hierarchy. All necessary structural optimisations are solved within one level by the geometric transformation of the grid towards a vault-shape or by the change of component-dimensions.

Appearing as a merely haptic space of structural ornaments during the day, the complex modular structure changes completely at night. Then, the digital takes over…

Treehugger, light+print
Treehugger, Playground
Treehugger, Lookout

A strictly applied symmetrical order applies discipline on the geometric differentiation of the structure.

Treehugger, Typologies
Treehugger, symmetrical column

A truly sustainable structure

Treehugger, Construction

BU_knottypology

Wooden, modular, demountable

As temporary structures, pavilions are mostly demolished after exhibitions like this one. This means that the materials used for construction are mostler downcycled or even lost completely.

However, due to its modular construction and spatial flexibility, the Treehugger was comparatively easy to dismantle, move and put to a new use. And so, after the BuGa 2011, the Treehugger found a second home only about 3km away on the grounds of the Centre for Nutrition and Health in Koblenz.

Treehugger, Facade

The façade of the pavilion was constructed as a simple glass curtain made of laminated safety glass. A screen-printed pattern that echoes the pavilion’s geometric theme shades the interior and reflects the nighttime illumination.

Treehugger, Illumination

Date

2009-2011

Place

Koblenz, Germany

Client

HWK, Koblenz

Team

Holger Hoffmann

Status

built

with

Department Digital Design at the University of Applied Sciences, Trier:

Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Jan Busemeyer

Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Frank Stolz

Jan Weber

Gabriel Wuestner

Eva Ziegler

Peter Zock

Structural Engineer

Office for Structural Design (OSD), ffm

https://vimeo.com/600211644