Woehlbier - Masters Thesis

M.Arch Thesis

Task: Modular Wood Construction

Personal Focus: modularity and deconstructability through push-fit and screw joints, local material sourcing, true modularity

This thesis explores the development of an expandable and adaptable timber construction system that can be partially disassembled without material loss. While earlier modular housing experiments such as Moduli 255 and WikiHouse offer valuable approaches, they share a common limitation: the inability to dismantle parts of the structure without compromising the whole. My approach introduces a three-stage modular system that prioritizes flexibility, longevity, and sustainability.

All components are joined using push-fit and screw connections, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, repair, and reuse. The system is constructed primarily from renewable raw materials that are locally available and easy to process, supporting both ecological and economic efficiency.

The design accounts for varying levels of durability and building code compliance, enabling the system to adapt across different use cases—from temporary structures to long-term applications. Decentralized flatpack production methods reduce transport emissions and make the system more accessible, while the use of standardized, reusable components extends the life cycle of each module.

To test and demonstrate its functionality, I developed detailed assembly instructions and produced scale prototypes of the system in 1:5 and 1:20.

Floor Plan Modularity

The support grid is based on a 360 cm axis-to-axis spacing, which can be subdivided into one-third, two-thirds, or half intervals. Interior walls can also be placed independently at 30 cm intervals, regardless of the primary grid. Beams and supports can be omitted where not structurally necessary—for example, to accommodate staircases or larger open spaces.

Both internal and external walls can be built with multiple layers to provide space for built-in furniture or to improve thermal insulation performance.

Scale

The system is based on multiple scales to address both human needs and structural requirements.

Human scale: Modules are designed in 30 cm increments to align with human ergonomics and everyday use.

Architectural scale: Maximum spans are considered to ensure both structural stability and spatial flexibility.

Material scale: Standardized timber dimensions are used to simplify sourcing and processing while ensuring compatibility between components.

Overview

» Load-bearing framework stands independantly of walls and floors (non-load-bearing).

» Floors and Walls can be installed in the grid as required

» Structure can be partially or fully deconstructed

» All components can be reused and repaired to maximise their lifespan

» Decentralised production and local sourcing ensure emissions are kept to a minimum

» Offers an interface for manufacturers and DIY (Stage 3)

» Great focus on swift and cheap customisability

Stage 1 - Framework & Flooring

» Framework and floor. Framework can be stacked to achieve 1-5 floors

» Framework built to be deconstructable, but laid out for longer time periods.

» Only modularity:

» expansion in x and y in grid increments (full, half and thirds)

» expansion in z by full floors

» floor height available in limited selection (store/office preset & residential preset) in 30cm increments

» Contains space for electric, pipes, etc.

» Floor elements can be removed for tall airspaces or empty frames

» Concept for hollow columns which house soil pipes

Precedents: EMPA Nest, Dom ino House, Nakagin Capsule Tower

Stage 2 - Inner & Outer Walls, Roofing

» 2D to 3D CNCed frames filled with insulaiton serve as walls (see Manual)

» Laid out for slightly shorter time periods, made to be repaired or replaced (and recycled)

» Can be produced locally for just-in-time delivery or on site

» Allows for increments as small as 30cm for openings such as windows or doors

» “Garden” & Communal spaces possible in any floor to self sustain - can be built on top of drainage

elements

» Inner walls house space for electric or freshwater pipes

Precedents: U-Build, WikiHouse

Stage 3 - Built in furniture, Cladding, Customisation

» generally laid out for short time periods but fully deconstructable and repairable (or recyclable) and

can be built to last if desired

» Made to be made anywhere by anyone

» interface for anyone with the expertise to produce add-ons for the system

» completely open system

» Can serve as rough framework to then add own furniture (Custom sized Boxes to perfectly fit a couch,

sideboard or shelf)

» Windows, Doors, Built in Furniture

Precedents: Urbia

As an important part of the thesis, I designed a construction manual for the system. This contains, for example, reference numbers to CNC files to produce the individual parts, references to foundations and the assembly of all individual parts. It also describes repair and recycling processes. The booklet also refers to the correct installation of e.g. pipes and struts. Above, you can see a collage of the most important pages of this booklet.

Designing an airtight, yet deconstructable and modular construction without thermal bridges proved to be a major challenge. As part of this design step, I worked on façade cross-sections which I then recreated on a scale of 1:3. The focus was on local materials, deconstructability and modular connections.

I temporarily joined a working group for this external work step.

The thesis was concluded with an exhibition at which I presented my work. Using a 1:20 model, I was able to demonstrate the principle in real time and, for example, change the facade elements or dismantle the building. A 1:5 model demonstrates the floor system and a joint.

Since this project is a system rather than a specific architectural design, it was important to me that the visual representation remained realistic and unembellished. The images below show how the system could be applied in practice, using concept renderings based on interior photographs of the physical model. In the bottom right, the system is shown integrated into an urban setting. To achieve this, I photographed existing houses in Newcastle, then digitally recreated and replaced them with rendered versions of my modular system.

Get In Touch

Interested in working together? Enquire through one of the links listed and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you :-)

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