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Autumn Show 2024
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![The solution has three parts: Front-end, Back-end, and Physical Product. Users scan the facade, input building info, and Machine Learning analyzes for energy-efficient solutions. After selection, components are manufactured on demand for assembly.]()
![The *ReFront* system operates on two levels: first, generating a global pattern and second, through component design. This approach adds variety and enhances functionality, offering various component options for users to choose.]()
![Illustration of a façade system generation using ReFront’s iPad application, which combines radiation, sunlight, wind velocity, and wind pressure analyses to design building facades.]()
![ReFront’s customized algorithm employs a computational design system to reconstruct buildings, conduct automated context analyses, and generate unique, hyper-functional granular façades from a simple image and location data.]()
![A visual representation of the Conditional Generative Adversarial Network, trained on over 400 façade images, which is used by ReFront’s automated process to analyse and understand the elements of a building from a user-uploaded camera image.]()
![The arrangement of diverse and uniquely varying modules placed on external walls is based on the combination of building performance analysis at that point on the ReFront façade.]()
![Every component has its defined and form. After various iterations with geometry , surface area, undulations, angles and material exploration this components are optimised and allocated on global form.]()
![Digital Application offers end to end façade design and ordering platform for user from their device reducing the time.]()
![ReFront’s iPad application enables users to real time façade option of any building from their device camera.]()
![Dashboard allows the users to easily customise module types and locations, allowing them to adjust the aesthetics, cost, and performance of the façade system according to their preferences.]()
![Our approach to enhancing large-scale 3D printing efficiency involves generating optimized G-codes that minimize material usage and improve quality by controlling print speed, heat, material quantity, layer thickness, and using a spiral toolpath.]()
![The components are connected through a lattice grid, making the structure flexible and adaptable to various facade typologies. The bolts and joints were specifically designed for 3D printing, ensuring seamless integration and strength.]()
ReFront: Retrofitting Façades
Project details
Programme
Cluster
RC5
Year
1
ReFront offers a comprehensive, integrated platform specifically designed for façades, addressing the dual goals of aesthetic enhancement and energy efficiency. By incorporating cutting-edge 3D printing technology and principles of circularity, ReFront simplifies and streamlines the retrofitting process, making it more sustainable and affordable.
The digital platform utilises advanced image segmentation techniques to precisely analyse and map existing structures, ensuring accurate and efficient updates. ReFront's unique approach integrates circular economy principles, using sustainable materials and minimising waste through precise, on-demand 3D printing. This process ensures that each façade component is tailored to the specific needs of the building and its environment, enhancing both functionality and appearance.
This innovative approach not only enhances the visual appeal of buildings but also significantly reduces energy consumption and waste, promoting a greener, more sustainable future.
Students
- Aamlan Saswat Mishra Year 1
- Edmundo Bautista Gonzalez Year 1
- Viraj Vijay Gavhane Year 1
- Ziyu Wei Year 1
Introduction to ReFront
Introduction to ReFront
Buildings account for 34% of the UK's energy consumption, with over 50% used for heating and cooling. Most thermal losses occur at the building envelope, in large part due to outdated façades, raising operational energy and carbon emissions.
ReFront Workflow
The proposed solution has three parts. Users scan the façade, input building information, and a machine learning algorithm generates energy-efficient solutions. After selection, components are manufactured on demand for assembly.
Design Strategy
The ReFront system operates on two levels: first, generating a global pattern and second, through component design. This approach adds variety and enhances functionality, offering various component options for users to choose.
Façade Analysis
Illustration of a façade system generation using ReFront’s iPad application, which combines radiation, sunlight, wind velocity, and wind pressure analyses to design building façades.
Back End System
ReFront’s customised algorithm employs a computational design system to reconstruct buildings, conduct automated context analyses, and generate unique, hyper-functional granular façades from a simple image and location data.
Machine Learning and Image Segmentation
A visual representation of the conditional generative adversarial network, trained on over 400 façade images. This is used by ReFront’s automated process to analyse and understand the elements of a building from a user-uploaded photograph.
Component Variation
The arrangement of diverse and uniquely varying modules placed on external walls is based on the combination of building performance analysis at that point on the ReFront façade.
Component Design
Every component has its definition and form. After various iterations with geometry, surface area, undulations, angles and material exploration, these components are optimised and allocated within a wider scheme.
ReFront Digital Application
The digital application offers an end-to-end façade design and ordering platform for user’s devices, this reducing lead times.
Refront User Interface and User Experience
ReFront’s iPad application enables users design façade options for any building in real time from their device camera.
Customisation Dashboard
The dashboard allows users to easily customise module types and locations, allowing them to adjust the aesthetics, cost, and performance of the façade system according to their preferences.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity
ReFront features modules like planters and moss, creating vertical gardens that enhance urban biodiversity, air quality, and energy efficiency, transforming façades into sustainable living landscapes for a more eco-friendly urban environment.
Manufacture
Manufacture
Large format printed ReFront module with integrated joinery connectors, developed with a differential growth algorithm for maximum surface area, strength, minimum carbon footprints, and customised slicing and tool paths.
3D Printing
The team’s approach to improving large-scale 3D printing efficiency involves using optimised codes that minimise material usage and improve quality by controlling print speed, heat, material quantity, layer thickness, and using a spiral toolpath.
Joinery
The components are connected through a lattice grid, making the structure flexible and adaptable to various façade typologies. The bolts and joints were specifically designed for 3D printing, ensuring seamless integration and strength.
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Autumn Show 2024
24 September – 6 October
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