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This thesis investigates a reusable timber frame system designed for lightweight one-story temporary housing that can later be reconfigured into permanent multi-story buildings. It addresses the challenges of existing lightweight timber modular systems, which are often only partially reusable or confined to single-story applications. Building upon the XFrame system, the research examines how the single-layer slab, while appropriate for lightweight temporary housing, lacks the rigidity required for multi-story structures. To resolve this, the project introduces a reconfigurable approach that transforms the temporary structure into a timber space-frame system using the same primary components. Structural simulations and full-scale prototyping assess feasibility and performance, demonstrating a circular and adaptable approach to sustainable timber construction.
ITECH M.Sc. Thesis Project 2025: Re-Frame - A Reusable Timber Frame System
Muhamad Faiz Bashir Ahamed, Farouk El Kihal, Pouria Shahhoseini Nia
Thesis Advisers: Mykhaylo Kazmiruk, Ali Nakhaee
Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Jan Knippers
Second Supervisor: Prof. Thomas Wortmann