Custom expanded materials respond to environmental inputs through directional deformation.  Expanding meshes increase the overall coverage of a sheet, while producing a perforated product without slugs, waste products from punch holes.  Rather than uniform distribution expanded sheets, CNC technology allows for customization expanded products to respond specifically to its locale.

Digital simulation allow designers to visualize and test the form according to a wide range of design criteria.  Parametric modeling software is implemented to pre-expand mesh geometries and accurately define the outcome in a computer model.  Using GenerativeComponents software, genetic apertures are modeled based in length, shape, and spacing of the aperture incision, formed from Rhino scripting methods. Across a building surface, the expanded skin panels respond digitally to performative inputs like solar-gain, wind-channeling, or rain-screening by adjusting the aperture length and proportioning relative to global orientation.  The directional qualities exhibited by meshes act as small hoods covering the surface of a roof or wall system.  These modifications are built into the parametric design geometry and the apertures update automatically as the parent geometry is altered.

Student Research Fellow: Christopher Peli
Faculty: Kevin Klinger, Joshua Vermillion