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Lavender Tessmer

Lavender Tessmer

Saint Louis, MO, US

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Cast Thicket

Addressing current issues related to the creation of tall concrete structures, Cast Thicket seeks to refine the typically heavy system of construction. The project proposes three refinements to the site-cast concrete frame: replacing the steel formwork frame and rebar with prefabricated internal steel frame; replacing the plywood or steel forms with a thin membrane hung on the steel frame; and replacing the solid shear walls with a network of struts.

Through the use of lightweight formwork and a redundant structural system, and by leveraging the fluid materiality of concrete, Cast Thicket creates a mesh of thin members that disperse and coalesce to address structural and spatial needs. This work addresses current issues in creating tall concrete structures and seeks to refine the typically heavy system of construction.

 
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Status: Built
Location: University of Texas at Arlington
My Role: Extensive involvement with concept development, plastic and steel details, materials prototyping, concrete mix design, parts drawings with Rhino and Grasshopper, exhibition graphics
Additional Credits: With Yogiaman Tracy Design
Fabricated by Topocast Lab

 
Massing Development
Massing Development
Spring Relaxation of Centerlines
Spring Relaxation of Centerlines
Steel Assembly Configuration
Steel Assembly Configuration
Steel Detail Before Welding
Steel Detail Before Welding
Seam Curvature Analysis
Seam Curvature Analysis
Parametric Tab Seams
Parametric Tab Seams
Single Plastic Formwork Panel
Single Plastic Formwork Panel
Formwork After Cating
Formwork After Cating
Final Installation
Final Installation