The Daily Croissant

"Softkill  has developed a 3D printing technique for large scale construction which mimics the growth process of bones.

A London-based team of architects and designers at studio Softkill have been researching new methods of generative design for additive manufacturing. In other words, this is the shape 3D printing could eventually take in the future — literally.

A new concept design called Protohome was presented at last week’s 3D Printshow. Taking the more “traditional” method of 3D construction and turning it on its head, the team tested how large-scale 3D printing could be made lighter, more flexible and created without the need for adhesives.

The result? A computer algorithm which transforms printed material into fibrous pieces that can be “grown” and twisted in the same way that human bone builds – reinforcing stress-prone areas to keep breaks to a minimum. This creates a “web” of material rather than solid mass, but does mean the material is permeable. Therefore, waterproof coating is placed inside."

The Stork Nest is actually a riding arena...

"When Design studio SGL Projeckt was hired to rennovate an old farmstead into a event and recreation center, they found the property was already in use. Since 1926, storks migrating from Africa had come back to the farm to nest in it's chiminey. Inspired by the dedication of the birds and the unassuming simplicity of their nest designs, the architects built a riding arena resembling a giant bird's nest.

The arena, which can be used for riding but also modified quickly for presentations or events, is 34 meters in diameter and 12.5 meters tall. Built with “arced glulam timber beams covered in translucent polycarbonate and a woven nest of oak logs”, the arena can hold up to 200 people for an event, and it's organic design provides ventilation, shade, and a natural skylight."