ReFrame is a modular structure that shows how reclaimed timber can be given a second life through digital design and robotic fabrication. It highlights the structural potential and distinct histories embedded in reclaimed timber, showing how it can turn reclaimed timber from a low-grade waste stream into a valuable resource for construction.

Developed at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in collaboration between the Professorship for Digital Design and Fabrication and the Professorship for Design of Structures, ReFrame explores new ways to integrate sustainability and circularity into digitally enabled construction practice.

Um die Aufenthaltsqualität auf dem Platz zu verbessern und damit auch die Innenstadt Ost attraktiv weiterzuentwickeln, war es ein Anliegen des KIT und der Stadt Karlsruhe, den entsprechenden Bedarf an Möblierung und Beschattung durch einen kreativen und innovativen Ansatz im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts am KIT zu lösen. Als Resultat entstand komorebi.

The ReSidence research demonstrator introduces a hybrid structural system that promotes a circular local bio-economy. By establishing closed material loops, the project addresses key challenges in the construction sector, reducing waste while extending the use of renewable materials.

The module Structural Engineering teaches the fundamental functions and modes of action of the essential different structures (physical and technical fundamentals) as well as the importance of structural design in the architectural design process in terms of form, function, sustainability and design.

The Building & Structure seminar examines the functional and effective modes of structural design in more detail. Therefore, the use and the limitations of materials like timber, steel, concrete and clay will be analysed in detail.

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The seminar “Down to Earth” is a lecture series on earthen construction, organized by the Dachverband Lehm e. V. in cooperation with universities and industry partners. It features weekly lectures covering a wide range of topics – from fundamental principles and building techniques to restoration practices, as well as current research developments and innovative applications in modern earthen architecture.

At "Design and Construction”, a design task will be developed in collaboration with students of the faculty of Civil Engineering. The designs tasks will be developed in mixed groups. The aim of this course is to train students from both disciplines on an interdisciplinary spectrum. This will not only provide an understanding of structural analysis and structural design, but also train interdisciplinary communication skills.

The interdisciplinary seminar " Timber Structures: Materials and Appropriate Design " covers the building material wood, the derived construction products, and their appropriate application. It addresses issues in timber construction and their backgrounds (hygroscopicity, anisotropy, heterogeneity, biological properties) and derives methods for developing robust and reliable timber construction details in practice.