How can we shape wood into complex, flowing forms without relying on glue or synthetic adhesives? This question drove a research project exploring dowel lamination, a technique that uses only wooden dowels to hold thin strips of wood (lamella) together as they curve around a form.

By integrating computational modeling and digital fabrication, the research tackled a key challenge: predicting "springback"—the tendency of wood to relax and shift shape after being removed from its mold. A series of material tests informed a predictive model, which was then fed back into the computational workflow, refining the fabrication process to achieve precise, double-curved forms.

The project culminated in a prototype façade section, demonstrating the technique’s potential for architectural applications. This proof of concept was part of a larger vision—a nature observation tower designed for Parc de l’Estació del Nord in Barcelona.

By leveraging advanced computation with traditional craftsmanship, this research opens new possibilities for sustainable, glue-free timber construction—where the integrity of natural materials is preserved, and form follows both function and nature.