Low cost housing: testing snap-fit joints in agricultural residue panels

Within the field of digitally fabricated housing, the paper outlines a theoretical model for a housing system that combines complete off-site prefabrication with parametric assemblies. The paper then presents some insights on the application of snap-fit joints to the wall assemblies entirely fabricated using agricultural residue panels. Mechanical characterization of the material was performed through axial tension, compression and 4-point bending tests. Guidelines of plastics snap-fit design were applied to the joint design within the elastic limits of the material. Three different full-scale wall typology prototypes were built using this joining technique. The results show that while snap-fits can be a promising solution encouraging self-build in low-cost housing, the brittle nature of the specific agricultural residue panel material necessitates further joint enhancements.