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Textile-Inspired Facade Crafted From Lightweight Materials in a Tropical Education Hub

Authors:
Thomas Hopkins, Chris Falla
Textile-Inspired Facade Crafted From Lightweight Materials in a Tropical Education Hub

Project in-detail

A textile-inspired facade with an intricate exoskeleton of lightweight materials defines this School of Fashion, creating adaptable educational spaces that foster creativity and community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textile-inspired exoskeleton enhances building aesthetics and performance.
02
Parametric design allows for a unique, responsive façade to climate.
03
Generously proportioned central atrium serves as a multifunctional community space.
04
Interior studios utilize modular layouts to foster collaboration and flexibility.
05
Shading devices integrated into the façade optimize natural light and reduce heat gain.
The Fabric Tower is a contemporary architectural project situated in Bangkok, Thailand, designed as a School of Fashion. This building serves to blend educational functions with the cultural significance of fashion, emphasizing the essential role that textiles and design play in society. The project features a modern architectural form that embodies the concepts of drapery and textile flow, illustrating its function as an innovative learning environment for fashion students.

The design approach employed in the Fabric Tower is notable for its thoughtful integration of materials and forms that mirror the qualities of fabric. The external façade features an intricate, textile-like cladding, which not only provides aesthetic value but also enhances the building's thermal performance in a tropical climate. This approach to design showcases a direct relationship between fashion and architecture, positioning the tower as an educational venue focused on the evolving nature of the fashion industry.

Innovation in Structural and Material Design

The structural design of the Fabric Tower utilizes steel, concrete, and glass as primary materials. The steel framework supports the complex geometries while maintaining a lightweight appearance. Glass elements allow for ample natural light to enter the interior spaces, promoting a dynamic learning atmosphere. The combination of these materials results in a building that is visually engaging and functionally efficient, addressing both aesthetic aspirations and practical requirements.

One of the unique aspects of the Fabric Tower is its responsive design. The architectural layout has been meticulously planned to optimize natural ventilation and light, ensuring a comfortable environment for occupants. Adjustable shading devices incorporated into the façade mitigate heat gain while providing visual interest. Additionally, the central atrium serves as a multifunctional space for events, fashion shows, and exhibitions, creating a community hub that enhances the educational experience.

Interior Space and Functional Elements

The interior of the Fabric Tower is designed to accommodate various educational activities central to a fashion curriculum. Classrooms, design studios, and collaboration spaces are purposefully arranged to foster creativity and innovation among students. The use of flexible layouts allows for adaptability in student projects and communal activities, enhancing engagement and collaboration.

A notable feature of the interior design is the provision for an exhibition area, which encourages a dialogue between education and public interaction. This integrates the fashion school into the broader community context, inviting external engagement with the students' work and promoting fashion as a cultural dialogue.

The Fabric Tower stands as a testament to the intersection of architecture and fashion, with a design that reflects the dynamic nature of both fields. Its innovative functional spaces and material choices position it as a contemporary model for educational architecture focused on design. For detailed insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and further explorations of its unique design approaches, readers are encouraged to dive deeper into the project presentation.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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