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Cited by 2Architecture and Computational DesignStructural Analysis and OptimizationTopology Optimization in Engineering

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Parametric Material Optimization and Structural Performance of Engineered Timber Thin-Shell Structures: Comparative Analysis of Gridshell, Segmented, and Hybrid Systems

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Golański, Michał, Juchimiuk, Justyna, Ogrodnik, Paweł, Szulej, Jacek, Starzyk, Agnieszka·2026·Materials
DOI 10.3390/ma19020341PMC PMC12843270
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Abstract

In response to the growing interest in sustainable and material-efficient architectural solutions, this study focuses on innovative applications of engineered timber in lightweight structural systems. It investigates the material optimization and structural performance of engineered timber thin-shell structures through an integrated parametric design approach. The study compares three prefabricated, panelized building systems, gridshell, segmented full-plate shell, and ribbed shell, to evaluate their efficiency in terms of material intensity, stiffness, and geometric behavior. Using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper environments with Karamba3D, Kiwi3D, and Kangaroo plugins, a comprehensive parametric workflow was developed that integrates geometric modeling, structural analysis, and material evaluation. The results show that segmented ribbed shell and two segmented gridshell variants offer up to 70% reduction in material usage compared with full-plate segmented timber shells, with hybrid timber shells achieving the best balance between stiffness and mass, offering functional advantages (roofing without additional load). These findings highlight the potential of parametric and computational design methods to enhance both the environmental efficiency (LCA) and digital fabrication readiness of timber-based architecture. The study contributes to the ongoing development of computational timber architecture, emphasizing the role of design-to-fabrication strategies in sustainable construction and the digital transformation of architectural practice.

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Metadata

Authors
Golański, M., Juchimiuk, J., Ogrodnik, P., Szulej, J., & Starzyk, A.
Affiliations
  • Warsaw University of Life Sciences (PL)
  • Lublin University of Technology (PL)
Corresponding author
Ogrodnik, Paweł
ORCID
Venue
Materials
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2026-01-15
Volume
19
Issue
2
Pages
341
ISSN
1996-1944 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/ma19020341
PMC
PMC12843270
OpenAlex
W7124257463
Cited by
2
References
62
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
26.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Materials (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Architecture › Architecture and Computational Design
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Structural Analysis and Optimization
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Topology Optimization in Engineering
Keywords
engineered wood products, thin shells, gridshells, ribbed shells, hybrid timber structures, material optimization, material intensity, stiffness-to-weight ratio, parametric design, digital fabrication, lightweight structures, life cycle assessment

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