OctaFoam is a truncated octahedral matrix of ceramic foam that forms a porous masonry wall structure boasting high thermal efficiency and customizable oriented windows. Digital fabrication introduces a sustainable approach to masonry by utilizing ceramic foam crafted from recycled solid wastes, addressing contemporary ecological concerns in construction. Robots efficiently cut bespoke components from large ceramic foam blocks, minimizing waste in the process. Developed by a collaborative research and design team from Southeast University Nanjing and ETH Zurich, OctaFoam acts as a load-bearing wall with a skeleton-infill structure. The skeleton extends in four directions, while the infill covers both surfaces, creating large voids between them. Occupying only 36% of the volume, the solids provide thermal insulation and contribute to a lightweight structure. From a mass production perspective, one block of raw material can construct three times the original wall volume.
OctaFoam prototype – inside view | all images courtesy of Southeast University & ETH Zurich Accent Wall
The prefabricated foam components are assembled as dry masonry, and the interlock mechanism, inspired by the Abeille vault, enhances seismic resistance. The structure, made entirely of ceramic foam, features a rotated discrete grid, blurring the boundary between skeleton and infill. Oriented openings can be added, enhancing sunlight intake or framing specific views. OctaFoam, cut using a diamond wire saw from large recycled ceramic foam blocks, proves more eco-friendly than traditional bricks. The research team from Southeast University Nanjing and ETH Zurich employed a wire-cutting technique, inspired by stereotomy, for complex structures. The masonry mechanism aims to minimize components and wire-cutting trajectory, balancing design and economic production. OctaFoam incorporates two-scale architected porosity, optimizing material usage and offering superior structural and thermal performance. This innovative construction method results from the synergy between computational geometry, robotic fabrication, operations research, and circular economy principles.
OctaFoam prototype – outside view
skeleton-infill structure – side view
oriented opening in the wall
hot-wire cutting of EPS foam using a robotic system
hot-wire cutting of EPS foam using a robotic system
host: Southeast University Nanjing | @southeast.university – ETH Zurich | @ethzurich
design team: XIA Zhixiang, QIU Shubing, YANG Kaizhong, CHEN Siqi
project director: Hao Hua (Southeast University) & Benjamin Dillenburger (ETH Zurich)
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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