Wildfires, a natural process in California, have become more frequent and intense due to climate change, severely impacting communities and ecosystems. Recognizing the need for better animal protection in high-risk zones, we designed and prototyped a synthetic habitat to aid animal survival during wildfires.
Located in Topanga State Park, this barn shelters farm animals with ceramic cladding that insulates against extreme heat. Inspired by local wildlife behavior, the design employs traditional ceramic techniques and neural network-developed textures to create seamless, protective facades. The process involved 3D modeling, clay casting, robotic tile operations, and glaze application.
barn concept design
AI tile texture design
segment texture
segment texture
facade segment design
tile design variation
creating plaster molds
robotic clay carving
clay texture
carved tile
carved tile
glazed tiles before firing
tiles in fragment
glazed tiles in kiln ready for firing
glazed tiles in kiln ready for firing
finished tiles after firing
