Sustainable Timber Architecture & Seismic Design
We bridge the gap between ancient Northeast Indian building techniques and modern science. Explore our research-led approach to timber structures that are as resilient as they are eco-friendly.
This is 'The Hyber', a 1:5 scale model of a six-story hybrid timber building I developed, showcased at the Conscious Collective 2023. It represents the culmination of my research into making tall timber structures a reality in India.
I was thrilled to walk visitors through the concepts behind my 'Hyber' installation. In this clip, I explain how indigenous construction from Northeast India inspired this modern, seismic-resistant timber technology.
A view looking down the timber and steel staircase of the 'Aangan' house. This project was about creating a warm, biophilic space, and this central feature connects the floors while drawing the eye towards the greenery below.
This animated sequence visualizes the construction process of a hybrid timber-concrete building. It shows how the system comes together, from the foundation and concrete core to the assembly of the glue-free timber frame.
This exploded diagram breaks down the components of the 'Hyber' system. It illustrates the glue-free timber structure, concrete core, and bamboo facade, a combination that achieves a 41% reduction in CO2 footprint compared to typical RCC buildings.
The exterior of the 'Aangan' house, where large glass panels reflect the surrounding landscape. The design focuses on an indoor-outdoor connection, using locally sourced timber to create a structure that feels both modern and rooted in its environment.
To make advanced timber design more accessible, I developed a parametric tool for Rhino3D and Grasshopper. This video demonstrates how architects can quickly visualize a timber structure and adjust parameters in the early design stages.
A detailed look at the primary beam-to-column joinery for my timber construction system. This glue-free connection is designed for natural timber and has been tested to support up to six stories in seismic zones, bearing loads up to 1200kN.
About Featured
Designing with timber does not mean compromising on stability. We engineer dry-locking, glue-free timber joints that are tested to support up to six stories, even in high seismic zones. This is a practical way to build taller, greener structures without relying on the chemical-heavy adhesives found in traditional construction.
Rethinking High-Rise Construction
Traditional construction often relies on heavy RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete), which carries a high carbon cost. At SAFE, we focus on hybrid timber-concrete systems, or what we call 'Hyber'. This approach combines the structural stability of a concrete core with the environmental benefits and thermal comfort of natural timber.
Why Timber?
Beyond the aesthetic warmth, timber is a carbon-sequestering material. Our research-backed designs, developed alongside institutions like TU Delft, prove that we can achieve high structural performance—including seismic resistance in Zone V—using natural, locally sourced materials.
Our Process
- Site-Specific Logic: We begin with a feasibility study, evaluating local seismic zones and wind loads.
- Computational Design: We use Rhino3D and Grasshopper to visualize structural skeletons early, ensuring optimal column spacing and beam depths.
- Glue-Free Joinery: We engineer custom dry-locking joints for our timber frameworks. This eliminates the need for toxic adhesives, creating cleaner, healthier indoor environments.
- Artisan Collaboration: We create 1:10 scale exploded isometric drawings, specifically tailored for local carpenters to execute complex joinery without needing specialized factory equipment.
Whether you are planning a private home like our 'Aangan' courtyard project or a larger community space, we prioritize material sourcing within a 100km radius to keep our logistics impact low. If you are ready to explore architecture that puts the planet first, let us look at your site potential.
SAFE Design Studio
I am Krittika, and I spend my days trying to build homes that actually hug you back. We bridge the gap between ancient Northeast Indian building techniques and modern science to create spaces that are as durable as they are sustainable.
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