PTFE textile membrane CIRRUS SYSTEM

for facadefor interiortranslucent

For the Techtextil ‘Living in Space exhibition UNStudio and MDT-tex have created, Proto-type II, a modular, prototype shelter which envisions how we might one day live on the moon or on Mars. The design is inspired by foldable structures and the need for light-weight and compact transport into space. In the Techtextil installation the self-supporting pavilion serves as a space in which guests can experience a trip to Mars in virtual reality - as represented by co-exhibitors the Euro-pean Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The primary material component of the shelter is PTFE membrane. A textile of the high-est performance, PTFE provides a durable, yet translucent and lightweight infill. As a textile PTFE provides more uses and formal flexibility than other architectural materials, such as composites or lightweight metals. However, like any other textile, PTFE can be custom woven—with open weaves and co-lour integration—to match the needs of any cladding or pavilion project. When used in an architectural context, textiles must be combined with other materials to allow for a fixed shape and strong connections. As with its predecessor, Eye_Beacon, Prototype II uses an aluminum and steel frame in each panel to accomplish this. The “Prototype II” is designed to be a self-supporting structure comprising more than sixty modules. Each module has a unique shape and is made with powder-coated aluminium profiles and stainless steel corner elements.The corners and profiles are precisely cut and CNC drilled to facilitate seamless connection with the neighbouring module.