Austin Garcia – Looking Outwards – 03 – Section C

“Mass Regimes” by – Epiphyte Lab

The Epiphyte Lab’s study “Mass Regimes” is an exploration in implemented parametric modeling and CNC work. By programming a CNC machine to ‘print’ concrete in complex forms, they are able to experiment with the thermal properties of the concrete. These different computational forms all allow for differing heat transfer through the material. By studying the thermodynamic performance of different complex forms, the Epiphyte Lab is able to test new and unique thermal strategies for passive heating and cooling of buildings.

The Process for creating these surfaces most likely involved crafting parametric functions which created 3d digital models. These models were then read and ‘printed’ by a CNC machine capable of printing with Concrete. The specific parameters for these forms had to do with varying size, geometric complexity, and density of forms in order to experiment with the thermal properties of the concrete.