Taiwan's Five Timber

[GSWU]

Hello everyone, I'm KuanSheng from GS Studio, Taiwan.
It has been four years since my last participation in CMWS 2020, and I hope to bring you a wonderful experience this time.
This time, I chose "Taiwan's Five Timber" as the theme, mainly because in this era of rapid technological development, people are increasingly aware of the importance of environmental protection and carbon reduction. I aim to minimize the use of plastics in hardware modifications and replace them with natural wood. This not only helps the environment but also enhances the aesthetics of computer hardware, adding a touch of warmth. In my design, I selected five types of local Taiwanese wood. These woods retain their unique natural grain and texture, showcasing Taiwan's rich natural resources and cultural heritage. Each type of wood emits a unique and natural fragrance, with an elegant and pure texture that allows you to feel the power of nature at a touch. The intricate grain and warm feel of these woods elevate technological products to a new level, infusing cold hardware with life and emotion.

Edited June 6 by GSWU

[cyg]

I am looking forward to seeing this one. 

[GSWU]

Design Concept

Our design is deeply rooted in the rich history and culture of Taiwan, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity to present a work that exudes both artistic and cultural significance. The extensive use of wood not only adds a natural warmth but also infuses the piece with texture and color, evoking deep emotional and cultural resonance. The lightning-shaped metal bending, inspired by the essence of ancient screens, combined with the intricate touches of classical Chinese window patterns, showcases the essence of Eastern aesthetics skillfully intertwined with contemporary design. The mortise and tenon joints reflect our respect for and continuation of traditional craftsmanship, achieving a harmonious balance between modernity and tradition. 

Technical Challenges and Breakthroughs

To achieve the ideal visual effect and tactile experience, we carefully selected five types of softwoods and hardwoods native to Taiwan, striving for perfect harmony in scent, color, and artistry. However, in this process, we encountered numerous technical challenges. The high-precision processing of the wood required overcoming the mechanical changes brought about by slight variations in temperature and humidity, which can easily affect the wood's texture and cause deformation. These challenges not only tested our craftsmanship but also underscored our commitment to quality and deep understanding of traditional techniques. Every breakthrough in detail is a testament to our dedication and the embodiment of the exceptional quality of our work.

 

Main components:

CPU:AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
MB:ROG Crosshair VIII Impact

RAM:G.skill Trident Z Neo DDR4 64G
VGA:ASUS RTX4060Dual

PSU:Cooler master SFX850

At this moment, I am using this computer to complete my design for the CMWS competition.(・ω・)
software:
Autodesk Fusion

 

Edited August 17 by GSWU

[GSWU]

We thoroughly researched numerous versions of the window pattern design and studied the meanings behind various motifs. Ultimately, we created a pattern inspired by cloud imagery, symbolizing good fortune, to replace the metal fan cover.

Front I/O kit application

Edited August 17 by GSWU

[GSWU]

With the advancement of computers and technology, we’ve infused our work with the symbolic imagery of historical map-making. The front waterway panel of our design features a modern, precisely measured map of Taiwan. However, when viewed from above, it reveals a deeper historical narrative. This map is inspired by a manuscript drawn around 1640 by Dutch pastor Francois Valentijn, based on the work of cartographer Johannes Vingboones, and later revised and published as a printed map in 1726. It is one of the earliest existing Western maps of the entire island of Taiwan, capturing the perspective of a sailor approaching Taiwan from the sea. The map not only depicts Taiwan’s geography but also meticulously records the sea routes, coastlines, sandbanks, reefs, and frequented locations between the southwestern coast of Taiwan and Quanzhou, making it an invaluable resource for sailors of that era. By incorporating this rich historical story into our design, we imbue the work with not only modern precision but also a profound sense of history and culture.
We also employed a three-color wood inlay to give the piece a more modern and vibrant look.

[GSWU]

For the three-color wood inlay, we carefully selected three types of Taiwanese wood and combined them using traditional Chinese mortise and tenon techniques to honor ancient craftsmanship. These woods are not only renowned for their distinctive scents but also highly valued for their rarity and preciousness.

Edited August 15 by GSWU

[GSWU]

The primary structure of our design draws inspiration from the classical East Asian furniture piece known as the folding screen, incorporating a zigzag or folding line design to create a sense of movement and depth. In both Chinese and Japanese cultures, screens have historically served not only as functional furniture but also as profound symbols of art and culture. Traditionally, screens were used to decorate interior spaces, featuring paintings, calligraphy, and natural imagery such as landscapes and birds, creating a private and elegant atmosphere while dividing spaces. Our design takes inspiration from this rich cultural heritage, seamlessly blending the artistic and functional aspects of screens to imbue the work with deep cultural significance and modern aesthetic expression.

Edited August 14 by GSWU

[GSWU]

For this project’s hardware specifications, we have specifically designed custom cable management and water-cooling modules, with every detail meticulously crafted. We employed curved surface modeling and processing techniques in the design process. These modules enhance the overall visual effect, making the system appear neater, more aesthetically pleasing, and elegantly minimalist.

 

Edited August 14 by GSWU

[GSWU]

The processing of the cable management and tubing module has begun, and we’ve selected Taiwan red cypress (Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsum) from the five native Taiwanese conifers, along with zelkova (Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino), a broadleaf tree, both of which harmonize perfectly in scent and color.

Taiwan red cypress is one of the most renowned conifers in Taiwan, revered as a treasure of Taiwanese forestry and one of the largest trees in East Asia. During the period when Taiwan was ceded to Japan, the Japanese quickly recognized the value of this rare tree species and classified it as a unique plant of Taiwan.

Zelkova is not only known for its elegant shape, making it a popular choice for ornamental and roadside trees, but also for its hard, durable wood with beautiful luster and grain, making it an excellent material for interior decoration and furniture, and classified as a top-grade broadleaf wood.

We have integrated the EPS8PIN of the C8I, the 24PIN of the motherboard, the 8PIN of the RTX4060Dual, and the CPU’s coolant pipes into this module, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of curved wood processing, while retaining the natural texture, grain, warmth, and fragrance of the wood, achieving a harmonious blend of nature and art in the overall design.

First, we created sketches, then proceeded to develop 3D models based on the design. After the models were completed, we wrote CNC programs according to the models.
We selected Taiwan red cypress, one of the five native conifers, and zelkova, one of the five broadleaf trees. For the red cypress, we specifically chose parts with a higher oil content for the module’s outer frame, giving it a natural fragrance, and then cut the wood to prepare the materials.

After the program was loaded into the CNC controller, we began the machining process.
Outer Frame Component 1

Outer Frame Component 2

Inner Cable Organizer

After the CNC machining was completed, we hand-sanded and polished the pieces, applied a layer of natural beeswax, and let it sit for 48 hours to fully absorb. We then removed the excess wax to preserve the wood's natural scent. We also installed rivets for the threaded components.

Edited August 16 by GSWU

[GSWU]

With the above steps completed, our cable management module is now finished with processing. We will proceed with assembly and testing, including installing double G1/4 internal thread fittings for testing and securing the screws.


Let's take a look at the finished result.

Edited August 16 by GSWU