Cherokee Farm Trillium Pavilion

The Trillium pavilion provides a focal point for a local greenway and contributes to research in the architectural applications of 3D printing. The team of 12 undergraduate and 2 graduate architecture students worked with stakeholders from a university research campus to develop proposals for an accessible shade structure that would increase engagement with the public greenway and be emblematic of the types of research undertaken nearby. A regional industry partner supported the project with their expertise in 3D printing [large-scale additive manufacturing or LSAM]. The students looked to the native Trillium flower for inspiration, a plant unique to the region. Borrowing the thin, doubly-curved surfaces of its namesake flower, the three-lobed dome of the pavilion spans fifteen feet and weighs less than 1400 pounds. Like biological processes of accretion and deposition, additive manufacturing is capable of creating complex forms of light weight and high strength and can do so with less energy input than typical casting or subtractive methods. In the case of Trillium, the upper shells of the dome are only 5/8” thick. The flanged seams, grid of stiffening ridges, and corduroy-textured print surfaces are all aesthetic expressions integral to the LSAM polymer. A primary consideration in selecting the polymers for the project was sustainability. Three polymers were utilized; the primary components are printed from carbon fiber reinforced ABS reclaimed from crash-tested automobiles, the bench seats are PLA mixed with wood flour derived from sawdust, and the oculus is glass fiber reinforced ABS. The ABS polymer is capable of being reground, pelletized, and reprinted numerous times with little degradation- a significant step in creating closed-loop lifecycle materials. The overall form is broken into 12 components lightweight enough to be carried by two people. The components were also sized to fit the print volume of the LSAM system and oriented on the print bed for stability and desired bead direction. All components are joined with mechanical fasteners through integral flanges with the intention that a broken panel or the entire pavilion can be easily disassembled and recycled. The student team organized their efforts with a project calendar and a comprehensive assembly manual with step-by-step instructions and directions for moveable formwork. Construction and assembly took ten days from first print to final installed component. The Trillium pavilion simultaneously explores form and defines place. It provides an accessible public landmark and contributes to research in the sustainable applications of large-scale additive manufacturing.

Framework for Design Excellence

• Design for Integration. Utilizing scale models, the students developed site-specific design options through a series of meetings with stakeholders and industry partners. Photo: James Rose
• Design for Equitable Communities. The Trillium pavilion is designed to be a barrier-free shade structure for visitors arriving on foot, in a wheelchair, stroller, or mobility scooter. Photo: Nick Williams
• Design for Ecosystems. The design of the pavilion was inspired by and draws attention to the Trillium flower- a plant unique to the ecosystem of east Tennessee. Image: Rachel Paganelli
• Design for Water. Like the Pantheon, the open oculus makes a rain shower a special event. Photo: James Rose
• Design for Economy. The Trillium pavilion was created in partnership with local industry, further developing a regional expertise in large scale additive manufacturing. Photo: James Rose
• Design for Energy. The complex forms of the pavilion are far more energy efficient to produce by 3D printing than any subtractive or casting process. Nighttime illumination is provided by solar-powered LED fixtures integrated into the oculus. Photo: Yuhsuan Lee
• Design for Wellbeing. A primary function of the pavilion is to draw attention to the public greenway and to provide a unique place of shelter, rest, and contemplation for visitors. Photo: Nick Williams
• Design for Resources. The pavilion is a testbed for recycled polymer technologies; wood flour PLA and carbon fiber reinforced ABS. The ABS was reclaimed from crash-tested automobiles and can be reused multiple times approaching a closed-loop lifecycle. Photo: Nick Williams
• Design for Change. The pavilion is composed of small mechanically-attached components that can be lifted by two people without heavy equipment. The entire pavilion or a single damaged panel may be removed, recycled, or replaced. Photo: Molly Miller
• Design for Discovery. As a research project, the Trillium pavilion is designed for data collection during and after construction. Lessons learned during assembly have already been recorded and future weathering and wear of the various polymers will be analyzed. Photo: James Rose