Architextiles: A Structural and Functional Review

Abstract

Architectural textiles also known as Architextiles is a multi-disciplinary intersection of textile science and architectural design where lightweight, flexible and high-performance built environments are achieved. Architectural textiles are based on the combination of architecture and textiles, and can be used as structural and non-structural items, acting as facades, roofing systems, shading systems, interior, and energy-generating building skins. The paper focuses on the review of materials, structures, properties, and emerging technologies that relate to architextiles, which have become increasingly significant in the sustainable and innovative architectural practices. The research considers a broad spectrum of fibres, which is natural fibres, synthetic fibres, high-performance fibres, metallic fibres, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, braided fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and spacer fabrics, among others that have been used in architectural work. This is done in relation to the coating that is used like PVC, PTFE, silicone and PVDF or fibre reinforced composite like structural efficiency, durability, weatherability, and fire resistance. The architextiles performance requirements (tensile and tear strength, flexibility, UV and fire, light transmission, thermal and acoustic performance and energy efficiency) are examined with references to the recent experimental studies. Moreover, the paper discusses various uses of architextiles such as tensile and pneumatic buildings, facades, shading systems, roofing, green textile roofs, interior textile systems, acoustic and thermal insulation, landscape architecture and cheap and living solutions. New possibilities of nanotechnology, phase change materials, biomimicry, and energy-harvesting textiles are critically considered with an emphasis on the possibilities to improve the performance and sustainability of buildings. Durability issues, cost, lifespan, as well as complexity of installation are discussed as well. Comprehensively, the paper highlights the role of architextiles as a revolutionary material system capable of supporting adaptive, energy-saving, and expressive buildings, which makes them one of the primary constituents of the sustainable building industry and intelligent building construction in the future.