AMIE is a 3D-printed building created by scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in collaboration with architecture, engineering and urban planning firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) and the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design.
People
Martin Keller, PhD
Previous Associate Laboratory Director, Energy and Environmental Sciences Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Johney Green, Jr., PhD
Previous Director, Energy and Transportation Science Division Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Roderick Jackson
Group Leader, Building Envelope Systems Research Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Lonnie Love
Group Leader, Manufacturing Systems Research Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Melissa Lapsa
Deputy Director, Urban Dynamic Institute Group Leader, Whole-Building & Community Integration Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Patrick Hughes
Director, Building Technologies Program Oak Ridge National Laboratory
James Richard Rose
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer, Director of Institute for Smart Structures, College of Architecture + Design University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Brian Lee, FAIA
Design Partner Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Maged Guerguis
Senior Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Leif Eikevik, AIA, LEED AP
Senior Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Andrew Obendorf, AIA
Associate Director, Studio Head Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Benton Johnson
Associate Director Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Lucas Tryggestad, AIA, LEED AP
Deputy Governor's Chair, Director Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Tanvi Parikh, AICP, LEED AP
Project Manager Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
William Baker, PE, SE, FASCE, FIStructE, NAE
Partner, Structural and Civil Engineering Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Philip Enquist, FAIA
Governor's Chair, Partner for Urban Design & Planning Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Governor’s Chair for Energy + Urbanism
Nicknamed “AMIE” (Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy), the structure can be powered by a 3D-printed electric vehicle also developed at ORNL. The mobile power source combined with AMIE’s rooftop renewable energy photovoltaics and the building’s highly energy-efficient design demonstrate possibilities for future off-the-grid human shelter.
Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of Energy
The world’s first integrated energy system between transportation and architecture.
A first step into the future
AMIE is a single-room enclosure that demonstrates the unique capabilities and characteristics of Additive Manufacturing (3D printing), utilizes advanced insulation products, showcases innovative technology in appliances and fixtures, and is paired with a revolutionary mobile energy source.
Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of Energy
Designing for zero waste
AMIE explores the potential for a 3D-printed panel to combine into a single integrated system the many functions of a conventional wall system – structure, insulation, air and moisture barriers, and exterior cladding. This can lead to zero-waste construction and buildings that can be ground up and reprinted in different forms.
Applying complex geometries
Three-dimensional printing allows for complex geometries with rounded corners and curved surfaces that reduce localized stress and mitigate turbulent exterior air flow. The AM panels create a structural design optimized for live loads, lateral forces and impact resistance.
Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of Energy
Maximizing energy efficiency and renewable energy
Its high level of solid surfaces (79%) to glazed areas (21%) results in an extremely efficient energy-conserving enclosure. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the roof surface and supplement the vehicle energy source. The panels’ interior ribs are designed for modified atmosphere insulation (MAI) for the greatest thermal barrier in the least amount of space.
Future directions and applications
AMIE is the beginning of collaborative, cross-disciplinary exploration of additive manufacturing in high-performance building enclosures. Future iterations will aim for higher thermal performance, explore new assembly processes, and further demonstrate new housing concepts.
Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of EnergyPhoto courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of Energy
Industry Day Industry Day Industry Day Industry Day Industry Day
