This project experiments with fabric as a construction material in combination with different binders including recycled plastic bags. Fabric sheets can be fashioned using patterns derived from digital models as a way to generate architectural components. Waste plastics bags and fabric offcuts from the fashion industry can be combined by heating them together in a kiln. By cutting, rolling, and overlapping these heated materials, bound composite blocks are formed with internal grains like that of natural marble. Design and fabrication processes make use of both digital and manual techniques. The internal and external grains of the overall design are modelled using a script that mimics the flow and compression of fibres. Plastic bags rolled together with fabric are hand-applied layer by layer to resemble the digital creation. This project aims to explore the relationship between urban waste and nature by situating itself within an abandoned quarry in Caserta, Italy. Utilising the waste materials from this Italian town, the quarry transforms waste into architectural materials. The project is like an artificial quarry integrated with the original natural quarry. It is an ecovillage with research lab, factory, and residences, calling for environmental awareness.
A series of material tests of kiln-fired fabric and plastic composite blocks.
Rolling and weaving techniques are tested in a series of material prototypes for kiln-fired fabric and plastic composite blocks.
The effects of different materials and hand-making techniques are visible in a series of kiln-fired fabric and plastic composite studies.
A diagram illustrating the process of fabric hewn block fabrication.
The differentiation of colours from recycled plastic is visible in the fabric and plastic composite block prototype.
A fabric hewn block with variegated colouration.
A series of prototypes display examples of marbling textures in the variegated fabric hewn blocks.
Visualisations of furniture prototypes explored with the fabric hewn block tectonic.
A detail view of aggregated composite blocks.
Architectural speculations on fabric hewn dwellings.
Architectural speculations on fabric hewn dwellings.
Architectural speculations on fabric hewn dwellings.