Tailor-Made!

Drawing our inspiration from BOSS apparel, the design features the intricate wefts and warps of woven textiles. Our first step was to derive a three-dimensional graphic structure that functions as a repeat and can therefore be rolled out onto any surface size. We then searched for a suitable material. Due to the richness of detail and the striking spatial effect of the structure, it quickly became clear that 3D printing was the ideal production method.

Following some initial experiments with stainless steel – ultimately too heavy, too imprecise and overly susceptible to weathering – the 3D pioneers from Aectual came back with the right solution. Their 3D print uses a recyclable plastic that can be returned to Aectual after use for reprinting. The material is lightweight, weather-resistant and flame-retardant (B-S1), which enables its use outdoors and inside shopping malls.

Despite the open-mesh structure, the curve of the façade grid casts shadows that draw patterns on the envelope of the building, as well as on the floor inside. Moreover, the shade has a cooling effect, improving the indoor climate.