Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Textile-Inspired Facade Created With Glass Panels and Composite Materials for a Community-Focused Educational Facility

Authors:
Thomas Hopkins, Chris Falla
Textile-Inspired Facade Created With Glass Panels and Composite Materials for a Community-Focused Educational Facility

Project in-detail

With a facade inspired by the intricate textures of textiles and crafted from glass and composite materials, this educational facility fosters a collaborative environment for aspiring fashion designers.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facade mimics textile patterns through innovative glass and composite paneling techniques.
02
Natural ventilation systems are integrated into the design, optimizing airflow for enhanced comfort.
03
The central atrium doubles as an exhibition space, promoting student displays and engagements.
04
Classrooms and studios are designed with flexible configurations to adapt to various learning methods.
05
The project incorporates cultural references to local textile traditions, enriching the educational context.
The Fabric Tower is an architectural project that embodies the convergence of fashion education and innovative design. Located in Bangkok, Thailand, this building serves as a dedicated space for a school of fashion, reflecting both the aesthetic values and the educational requirements of the industry. At its core, the project represents the exploration of textiles, transcending their traditional confines to embody them within architectural form. The concept of the Fabric Tower revolves around the idea of fabric as a dynamic medium, enhancing the dialogue between architecture and fashion.

The primary function of the Fabric Tower is to serve as an educational facility tailored to the needs of aspiring fashion designers. It houses classrooms, design studios, exhibition spaces, and communal areas, fostering an environment conducive to creativity and collaboration. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt to various educational activities, from lectures and workshops to fashion shows. This adaptability is a crucial aspect of the design, as it mirrors the fluid nature of both fashion and modern educational practices.

Significant elements of the Fabric Tower include its unique facade, which employs a series of undulating surfaces reminiscent of fabric draping. This architectural choice not only provides visual interest but also enhances the building's functionality by optimizing daylighting and mitigating solar gain. The facade is constructed using glass and composite materials, reflecting the interplay of transparency and texture that is essential in fashion design. The design also integrates structural steel to ensure stability while allowing for the dramatic forms that characterize the building.

Inside, the multi-level atrium serves as the heart of the Fabric Tower, acting as a social hub and a gallery space where students can display their work. This central area fosters interaction among students and faculty, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The arrangement of classrooms and studios is strategically organized around this atrium, promoting a sense of community while allowing for acoustic privacy where needed.

One of the unique design approaches in this project is the attention to environmental sustainability. The building incorporates natural ventilation and shading systems derived from the patterns in its facade, demonstrating a commitment to reducing energy consumption and enhancing occupant comfort. This architectural response to climate reflects a growing awareness within the design community of the importance of sustainability in educational facilities.

The Fabric Tower also connects to the local cultural context of Bangkok, acknowledging the rich history of textile production in the region. By weaving local cultural elements into its design, the project establishes a dialogue between contemporary architectural expressions and traditional practices. This contextual sensitivity enriches the educational experience for students, grounding their studies within the local heritage of fashion and textiles.

Overall, the Fabric Tower is a thoughtfully designed educational facility that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and sustainability in fashion education. Its architectural expressions are firmly rooted in the concept of fabric, making a clear statement about the relationship between space and the art of fashion design. This project invites further exploration, allowing readers to delve deeper into its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas for a comprehensive understanding of its significance and impact in the realm of architecture and education.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy