A Novel Composite Material for Foldable Building Envelopes

Gianluca Rodonò,Giuseppe Recca,Vincenzo Sapienza,Domenico Carmelo Carbone

doi:10.3390/su11174684

Abstract

Contemporary research is increasingly focused on studying buildings that either interact with environmental boundaries or adapt themselves to their users’ needs. In the current literature, this kind of ability is given different names: responsivity, adaptability, smartness. These are different ways to refer to a common concept, with subtle nuances. Foldable surfaces are one of the most interesting geometries able to give responsivity to building components, but often their production is complex and expensive. The aim of this research was the creation of a novel material that can provide lightweight solutions for foldable building envelopes. This composite material can be folded and unfolded easily, like a sheet of paper, but with a higher mechanical performance. It is made with the thermoplastic elastomer SEBS (styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene) as its matrix, as well as a fabric reinforcement. In this paper, following an introduction to this subject, the authors present the composite material’s production methods and its mechanical characterization.

Highlights

At present, it is difficult to give a fixed structure to the functions carried out inside buildings via hierarchical organization and a rhythmic arrangement of spaces, because of their transitory nature
The need for kinematic mechanisms for the control of different configurations has resulted in the introduction of a system of actuators in building components
After having proved the real possibility of making a pre-foldable textile composite with a thermoplastic elastomer matrix, mechanical characterization was used to prove the effective applicability of the material for the intended purposes

Summary

Introduction

It is difficult to give a fixed structure to the functions carried out inside buildings via hierarchical organization and a rhythmic arrangement of spaces, because of their transitory nature. The kinematics may involve either the entire building including its structure—especially in temporary pavilions or small buildings [1]—or only certain building components [2]. In the latter case, kinematics generally involves the envelope, which is the main interface between the building and its surrounding environment. The electrification of actuators and the consequent introduction of a system of sensors and a control unit have led to a complete automation of the kinematic mechanisms as a result of certain inputs which give rise to the so-called adaptive or responsive buildings [9,10]

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Discussion

Conclusion