A template design and automated parametric model for sustainable corbel dwellings with interlocking blocks

Abstract

Existing approaches to sustainable dwellings often involve high-tech equipment and skilled workers, which are less accessible in low-resource settings. This research introduces a novel template design and automated parametric model for the design of corbel dwellings that can be built using standard equipment, local material, and lower-skilled workers. The template design is a modular, single-story dome-shaped structure transitioning from a square-base footprint to a circular roof zone using only five block types. Interlocking block features enable both aligned and offset dry stacking and reduce the use of mortar and formwork. The geometrically complex design is enabled by a parametric model that automatically synthesizes alternative designs and conducts preliminary structural analysis, including stability and FEA in real-time. The example context used is Morocco where the entire structure can be constructed using Compressed Earth Blocks. A range of dwellings are automatically generated using one set of blocks to explore the design space.