Stereotomic Tripod

The Stereotomic Tripod is a triangular vault composed of hollow 3D printed elements, shaped to create different patterns. The edges are characterized by quadrangular ashlars, while the corners are filled with a triangular pattern. The entire system has been conceived to be assembled without the use of centrings, by reciprocally fixing the blocks using screws. Even if it has been realized in PLA, the vault has been designed using the rules of stereotomy, which is a discipline historically linked to stone. Moreover, the three pentagonal ashlars in correspondence of abutments are covered with Apricena stone slabs on the extrados, in order to show the possibility to create innovative coffers. The central part of the Stereotomic Tripod is completed with a shell made of woven glass and carbon fibers, which maintain it shape because they are imbued with epoxy resin. Specifically, the glass fiber network aims at creating the correct geometry, on which carbon fiber can properly lay, reinforcing the structure. Carbon fibers help improving the rigidness of the entire structure, preventing the arches to tip over. The Stereotomic Tripod is a demonstrator of the possibility to mix different innovative techniques and technologies, starting from lithic tradition and hybridizing it with new fabrication processes and materials.