Structural woven tents

Weaving appears as a technique in a range of industries. From fashion to architecture, the advantage of weaving is clear: it’s a simple way to improve the strength of a material and add flexibility to its use.

This is evident in the tent-like structures created by designer Abeer Seikaly. She has taken weaving to the next level with her ‘Weaving a Home’ project.

Creating a technical, weatherproof fabric from durable, curved plastic elements and a flexible textile skin, the designer has produced a tent structure for temporary shelter. The skin is both structural and lightweight. Its curves mean it can take both compression and tension loads.

Because of the undulating shape, the tent skins created in this way are hollow. This is a further advantage as it means that water piping and electrical cables can be integrated.

Water plays and integral part to the designs. The tents are intended for use in disaster relief zones, for instance where large numbers of people have been displaced after environmental calamities or war. The tents contain a collector for water that is siphoned up from the surroundings. The curved structure also allows for light to be concentrated onto photovoltaic cells.

All in all a very impressive design. With inspiration coming from woven baskets, snakeskin and even paper lanterns, it’s the combination that really dazzles. The woven home is a ventilated, energy producing temporary tent that affords the neediest people with fundamental necessities.

Lots more information and images on the designer’s website. The project was shortlisted for the most recent Lexus Design Award.