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Configura

Team members

Melissa Tan Zhi Qun (ASD), Lyvia Anabelle Simano (ASD), Janelle Janice Ho Jia Min (ASD), Teo Wei En Glenn (EPD), Rachel Ng Shu Qing (EPD), Yew Seow Shuen (ESD), Heather Lee Xuan Hui (ESD)

Instructors:

Karthik Balkrishnan, Thomas Schroepfer, Low Hong Yee

Writing Instructors:

Grace Kong

Teaching Assistant:

Li Xueliang

Project Description

Configura is a façade design tool that helps architects in creating unique facades for residential buildings that respond to the contextual environment. Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), design thinking and home owners' preference has been incorporated into the design algorithm of the façade modules (Kit-of-Parts), with clip-on systems that are easy to assemble. Harnessing the power of computational design, Configura will simulate, optimize and generate the optimal facade in an automated workflow.

Configura Promo

Key Benefits & Features

keybenefits

 

 

Harnessing the power of computational design, Configura will simulate, optimize and generate the optimal facade in an automated workflow. It consists of a front-end intuititive user interface that gathers inputs from architects and homeowners, and a back-end configurator that optimises the facade layout for wind and solar performance, which then generates a facade pattern that can be attached onto any existing or new residential building in Singapore via our innovative Kit of Parts system.

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USER INTERFACE

 

Architects simply have to input the building specifications and facade designs, via uploading their existing 3D models & patterns. They can then freely create any facade panel set with varying designs for the homeowner to choose from, and set varying densities to be optimised for weather performance. The user interface also allow prospective homeowners to preview, refine, and select their final facade design, offering greater choice to residents.

User Interface For Architect

User Interface For Homeowners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The configurator first allows for the input of various, detailed parameters, such as the location of the residential building, the surface to be selected, and most crucially the choices of facade patterns & their respective materials. These will then be processed and optimized to generate a facade pattern and density for the resident's best thermal comfort.

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SIMULATION & OPTIMIZATION

 

The optimization process considers environmental input of solar and wind data. Solar simulations are done via Revit, while wind simulations are conducted via Autodesk CFD. These two sets of data are then processed via multi-objective optimization to determine a "sweet spot" for the resident's thermal comfort.

SMART DESIGN GENERATION

 

The configurator then generates facade patterns of varying densities across the selected face of the target building, thus creating a unique design style for each homeowner and residential block. The configurator also generates components required for the facade designs, which can be obtained from our innovative & unique modular Kit of Parts system.

Kit-of-Parts

Used in the construction of the facade, this ensures the feasibility and durability of the facade, such that it can be produced at scale, assembled with ease, and secured for safety.

 

Metal Facade System

The Kit-of-Parts consists of customizable aluminum fenestration panels or louvers and aluminum bracket supports with stainless steel connectors. This façade system can be attached onto any existing or new residential buildings in Singapore.

KEY FEATURES of KOP

 

  1. 1. Scalable Framing Beams to fit any simulation grid

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  3. 2. Clip On Panel System

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3. Louver Joint System

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Kit Of Parts Exploded View

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Louver System via Kit Of Parts

 

 

FINAL PROTOTYPE

We built a 1:5 scale model to demonstrate how facade panels would be attached onto an external building wall and to visualise how the facade would look like at scale. The building structure was made from painted plywood, the aluminium brackets, beams, connectors and frames made to order, and the panels from waterjet-cut aluminium sheets. The colours and patterns employed are just some of the myriad possibilities open to the creativity of the architect.

 

 

 

 

TEAM MEMBERS

student Melissa Tan Zhi Qun Architecture and Sustainable Design
student Lyvia Anabelle Simano Architecture and Sustainable Design
student Janelle Janice Ho Jia Min Architecture and Sustainable Design
student Teo Wei En Glenn Engineering Product Development
student Rachel Ng Shu Qing Engineering Product Development
student Yew Seow Shuen Engineering Systems and Design
student Heather Lee Xuan Hui Engineering Systems and Design
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