Fabric formwork uses a mould made from textile instead of a rigid one when pouring concrete. Material Xperience exhibits a column that was made using this process, designed by students from the Technical University Eindhoven (NL).

A group of students from TU Eindhoven worked together with concrete manufacturer Geelen Beton to design and make the column. The design of the column is a hyperbole, supporting a hyperbolic paraboloid top. The openings in the column are made clamping together two layers of fabric, between which concrete was poured.

The mould was made with PVC coated polyester. This material has a high tensile strength and a relatively low melting point, which makes it easy to weld together.

The total weight of the column is about seven tonnes, including the base. The concrete used is reinforced with steel fibres, which have been galvanised.

Organica Hyparbolica is one of the many special items you can admire at Material Xperience, such as a translucent insulating concrete and transparent solar panels. Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this event for free! Find out more about Material Xperience 2017 and how to get your ticket here.