Reversible timber only connections –: an investigation into the potential of threaded dowels and swelling for reconfigurable truss components

Current design for disassembly strategies largely rely on geometry relations between parts, with little thought given to the potential of inherent material properties to foster reversibility. This study investigates low-tech and low-energy methods for the assembly and disassembly of timber only structures, utilising reclaimed timber and wood’s swelling and shrinkage to create reversible connections. The paper contributes with experimental data to demonstrate ideal assembly, in-use, and disassembly conditions, with significant changes in joint tightness between conditions. This practical approach is then applied in a truss structure, a component-based typology that is reconfigurable to different spans, geometries and scales. This specific design is evaluated using diagrammatic Statistical Entropy as well as reflections/considerations of the approach’s opportunities and challenges. Finally, the paper offers insights into how the project can contribute to a more sustainable building practice, in balance with the resources it depends on.