The WoodWind+ project follows on from the previous project (3DWoodWind), which developed the manufacturing principles for three-dimensional winding processes for material-efficient lightweight hollow profile components made of wood. The new project will develop approaches for modular, reusable lightweight construction systems, which could be used in particular for 1-2 storey extensions to existing buildings.

Winding processes are well known from fibre composite technology for highly resilient lightweight components made of carbon or glass fibres for the aerospace industry. For the construction industry, these additive processes are very promising and resource-efficient construction methods, although they are still rarely used in timber construction despite the very high level of digitalisation. WoodWind+ uses a continuous strip of thin veneer, which can be sourced from the veneer industry. Its natural fibres are intact, continuous and strong.

The project will develop high-performance hollow profile lightweight components using robotic application techniques and winding of veneer strips. In collaboration with the Department of Structural Design (TWE), engineering methods will be developed to predict and dimension the structural behaviour of the resulting components and to incorporate the structural boundary conditions for lightweight additions and extensions to existing buildings into the development. Both structurally ideal component geometries and fabrication options will be brought together in a design tool. These digital simulation techniques will be verified and calibrated through a large-scale test series on components for a modular column and floor system.