veiled in robotically woven facade, texoversum university building opens in germany

ICD / ITKE unveils texoversum in reutlingen, germany

In Germany‘s university town of Reutlingen, the Texoversum building has completed as a groundbreaking work of architecture designed collaboratively by Allmannwappner and Menges Scheffler Architekten. This recently unveiled education and innovation center is recognized by its a revolutionary facade crafted by the ICD / ITKE research teams at the University of Stuttgart. The unique design of this facade takes shape with carbon and glass fibers, which sets a new precedent in architectural innovation, symbolizing the future potential of fiber-based materials and robotic techniques. See designboom’s previous coverage here!

images © Brigida González

an intricate facade of robotically-woven fibers

With architecture by Allmannwappner and Menges Scheffler Architekten, the Texoversum building stands as an important part of Germany’s Reutlingen University of Applied Sciences campus expansion. The building introduces is a hub for teaching, research, and innovation in cross-cutting textile technologies. At its core, the architectural design mirrors the theme of textiles — both in function and form. Internally, the building weaves together various disciplines and activities, creating an intricate, multifaceted space. From the exterior, the facade expresses a pioneering amalgamation of woven carbon and glass fiber tiles. It lends the building its distinct identity, setting it apart as a symbol of innovation.

part of Reutlingen University’s expansion, Texoversum is an important hub for research in textile technologies

a modular design for a complex surface

Texoversum’s facade, a result of the robotic winding process pioneered by ICD / ITKE, represents a groundbreaking achievement of architecture in Germany. Tailor-made carbon and glass fiber tiles, designed based on five templates, follow the sun’s path, creating a captivating, multi-layered appearance. Notably, the self-supporting tiles eliminate the need for an additional load-bearing frame, allowing for unobstructed views of the surroundings. Beyond its practical functions, the facade stands as an aesthetically engaging testament to the innovative power and future viability of fiber-based materials and textile techniques.

the facade takes shape with finely-woven tiles of carbon and glass fibers
the building weaves together various disciplines to create a multifaceted space that reflects the theme of textiles
the woven facade, with intentional cutouts, offers a postcard-shaped glimpse into the vibrant working world within

the open, transparent, split-level layout fosters collaboration, providing a stimulating platform for knowledge sharing

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ground floor plan

floor plan

elevation

elevation

facade detail

section

axonometrics

section

section perspective

facade diagram

facade components

facade component process

project info:

project title: Texoversum

architecture: Allmannwappner, Menges Scheffler Architekten

location: Reutlingen, Germany

facade design team: ICD / ITKE — Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD — Achim Menges), Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE — Jan Knippers)

facade elements fabrication: FibR GmbH

building design team: Allmann Sattler Wappner Architekten, Menges Scheffler Architekten, Jan Knippers Ingenieure

photography: © Brigida González | @brigidagonzalezwork