Fact File
Project: PSG College of ArchitectureLocation: Coimbatore
Client: PSG Group
Architect: Vista Architect, Coimbatore
Architectural Hardware used: FTI system - Aero S
The building’s structure is wrapped in a 3D diamond shaped textile envelope made from Précontraint 381 in Silver Grey. Installation was completed by local contractor Duvo Engineering, which specialises in tensile architecture with expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance.
Installation proved one of the biggest challenges in this project, as each panel had to be lifted individually into position while dealing with strong winds typical of the area. The play of curves and different-sized panels, combined with the fabric’s glossy finish, make for a distinctive design that changes with the light throughout the day.
In spite of the concept’s appeal, the development of the textile facade raised a number of concerns, including with regard to securing approval for the solution in terms of ventilation, fire safety and especially statics.
At the onset of the development process, the architects were told by many prospective contractors and professional organisations that it would simply be impossible to deliver this project. But convinced by the architects’ passion for the sophisticated design concept, the clients emboldened everyone involved in the project to keep looking for possible solutions.
The key to this successful concept lay in two factors: the ability to take full advantage of tension forces and to find a novel approach to tensioning on the one hand, and a choice of membrane with a well-established stretching behaviour on the other. In this case, a fiberglass textile could not be used because of the forces involved.
For nearly 50 years, Serge Ferrari has been designing, developing and manufacturing innovative composite fabrics for light architectural and exterior landscaping applications. Aimed primarily at four strategic and global markets linked to the building and industrial sectors - solar protection, tensile architecture, modular structures, furniture / marine – the company’s high-end solutions combine durability, safety, design, comfort, and eco-responsibility.
Conversely, Serge Ferrari’s high-resistance PVC-coated polyester membrane offered obvious advantages, not only in that it was easier to work with and shape, but also because of its stretchability, which ensured better control of the considerable tension forces it would have to sustain.
The broad palette of 17 colourways currently available for Frontside View 381 was another decisive element. In their design, the architects had envisioned a silver or light grey shade, which allowed for a wide range of possible colour options. Their choice eventually settled on Frontside View 381 — 3121 Shifting Grey, which ideally complemented the concept and created a beautiful sculptural effect in combination with the undulating shape.
About Frontside view 381: This is a mesh for textile facades to preserve outward visibility. In new-build and renovation projects, it reduces heat inside the building. It provides the building with thermal protection ensuring that 81% of the sun’s heat is blocked. The fabric is extremely durable and resistant to all kinds of weather like wind, hail, and UV. It provides optimum natural light into the building and blocks glare thus reducing dependence on artificial lighting and AC systems for cooling.
