Origami-Inspired System 'Unfold Form' Reduces Concrete and Steel Use
Georgia Wray Norsten — February 13, 2025 — Eco
References: core77
'Unfold Form' is a groundbreaking formwork system designed to minimize material waste in construction. Developed by ETH Zurich PhD student Lotte Scheder-Bieschin, this reusable system enables the creation of vaulted concrete structures while cutting concrete use by 60% and reinforcement steel by 90%. Unlike traditional methods that rely on single-use Styrofoam molds, Unfold Form uses lightweight, flexible plywood strips connected with textile hinges and staples, making it both sustainable and cost-effective.
Beyond material efficiency, Unfold Form is designed for accessibility and ease of use. Unlike conventional digital fabrication processes requiring specialized equipment, this system can be assembled with minimal tools, making it ideal for regions with limited resources. By leveraging strength through geometry, the formwork ensures durability while remaining lightweight -- each unit weighs just 24kg but can support a ton of concrete.
To date, Unfold Form has been successfully used in structures at ETH Zurich and South Africa. With plans to bring the system to market, Scheder-Bieschin’s innovation has the potential to revolutionize sustainable construction worldwide.
Image Credit: Core77 / Lotte Scheder-Bieschin
Beyond material efficiency, Unfold Form is designed for accessibility and ease of use. Unlike conventional digital fabrication processes requiring specialized equipment, this system can be assembled with minimal tools, making it ideal for regions with limited resources. By leveraging strength through geometry, the formwork ensures durability while remaining lightweight -- each unit weighs just 24kg but can support a ton of concrete.
To date, Unfold Form has been successfully used in structures at ETH Zurich and South Africa. With plans to bring the system to market, Scheder-Bieschin’s innovation has the potential to revolutionize sustainable construction worldwide.
Image Credit: Core77 / Lotte Scheder-Bieschin
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Construction Innovations - Eco-friendly construction practices are gaining traction, driven by solutions like Unfold Form that drastically reduce material waste and environmental impact.
2. Modular Building Systems - The introduction of flexible, reusable framework systems like Unfold Form highlights the shift toward modular and adaptable construction techniques.
3. Material Efficiency in Architecture - Maximizing resource efficiency through innovative design strategies is becoming a central theme in modern architecture, exemplified by the significant reductions in concrete and steel use with systems like Unfold Form.
Industry Implications
1. Construction Industry - The construction sector is poised for transformation as reusable systems like Unfold Form present cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional building methods.
2. Architecture and Design - Architectural design is evolving with innovations that balance creativity with utility, as seen in systems like Unfold Form that merge aesthetic appeal with structural efficiency.
3. Sustainable Materials Industry - The focus on reducing the environmental footprint in construction is spurring demand for sustainable building materials, with innovations like Unfold Form leading the way in material conservation.
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