Kerfing Wood Test: patterns for bending wood

The project

How does a piece of wood change when a cutting pattern is introduced? At Archicercle, we explored this relationship through a series of kerf-bending samples. The work focused on developing our own patterns and making physical prototypes to experiment with bending.

Kerf bending is a technique for bending wood through cutting patterns. In this research, the pattern design and its adaptation to the material thickness were the starting point: rather than repeating a single layout, we developed different configurations for the samples.

Our contribution covered research, design and prototyping. Each pattern was adapted to a different material thickness, translating the design work into physical pieces with which to explore the behaviour of the cut wood.

The series includes rectangular samples with straight parallel slots, wavy lines and arrangements of elongated cuts. Some have rounded corners and carry the Archicercle name and a numerical reference. The variations in the cuts also define the graphic character of each piece.

The samples are presented both flat and curved, with pieces held and flexed by hand. The result is a collection of research prototypes that connects cutting geometry with wood bending, without tying it to a specific finished product.

Parallel slots and wavy lines: different geometries within the same investigation.

The curved sample reveals how the pattern opens as the piece bends.

Processes and materials: fabrication services · available materials · studio machinery.