Fast Fashion Architecture: Heat-Fused Textile Waste as Structural Material
In 2022, a research group led by designer Taylor Leung from The Bartlett School of Architecture initiated the 'Fast Fashion Architecture' project. This initiative aims to repurpose discarded synthetic textiles into breathable building elements through a heat fusion technique. The process involves organizing and compressing materials onto steel frames, then using heat to bond thermoplastic fibers without adhesives. The final products maintain their original colors and textures. They also innovated a technique termed 'digital soldering' with a modified 3D printer. Their work culminated in a prototype shelter at Grymsdyke Farm and secured the Bartlett B-Pro Architectural Design Bronze Medal.
Key facts
- Project name: Fast Fashion Architecture
- Developed in 2022 by Taylor Leung (12103 Design Studio) with Chung Yin Jeffrey Kwong, Chao-An Chang, Chong Li, Jiali Yan at The Bartlett School of Architecture
- Uses discarded synthetic textiles and factory waste containing woven polyester fibers
- Heat fusion process without adhesives, resins, or binders
- Adapted desktop 3D printer into 'digital soldering' machine with five heated tips and customized G-code
- Material tested in outdoor wall, chairs, structural column, and prototype shelter at Grymsdyke Farm
- Shelter uses CNC-cut timber frame and pyramidal geometry
- Speculative studies for a three-story house
- Received Bartlett B-Pro Architectural Design Bronze Medal in 2022
- Photographers: Piers Allardyce and project team
Entities
Artists
- Taylor Leung
- Chung Yin Jeffrey Kwong
- Chao-An Chang
- Chong Li
- Jiali Yan
- Piers Allardyce
Institutions
- 12103 Design Studio
- The Bartlett School of Architecture
- London College of Fashion
- Grymsdyke Farm
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom