Green Architectural Membrane

Kenaf plant

A green Architectural membrane, based on Kenaf bast fiber has been developed by Taiyo KogyoCrop.  Kenaf is a natural fiber and have similar characters as Jute. Kenafine^TM, developed by Taiyo Kogyo Crop., is made by weaving Kenaf fiber with polyester fiber. This bas fabric is coated on top with photocatalyst TiO₂  and at bottom coated with antibacterial agent of silver. This environment friendly green membrane can be recycled to make paper product¹. Thus it is more carbon-neutral than 100% polyester based fabrics. Test result of Kenafine is given below.

Test result of Kenafine

Structure of Kenafine.

Reference:

1. New material research on kenaf fiber fabric, http://fabricarchitecturemag.com/articles/1112_np9_material_research.html 

Green Tensile

Tensile fabric structures can be environment friendly. It may achieve several LEED points. LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design which is created by United States Green Building Council as a guideline and certification tool for energy efficient sustainable buildings 1.

Translucent membrane. Source: European Design Guide. 

Tensile membrane structures can be translucent. Translucency can vary from 10 to 20 percent depending the material of membrane but there are membranes with 40 percent translucency 2. As a result daylight is enhanced in interior reducing costs for electrical lighting.

Reflection of Solar radiation. Source: European Design Guide

There are membranes like Tensotherm, which can act as insulator. It prevents solar gain in summer and preserve heat in winter 1. Multilayer membrane construction also has the same effect 2. 

Medina Umbrella. Source: European Design Guide  

Tensile membrane structures are very flexible in shape. Various convertible and umbrella structures can be constructed using membrane 2. Fabric structures can be adapted in various site conditions.

Supporting cable and steel structures. Source: European Design Guide 

Tensile membrane structures involve fewer components in construction like steel and cable rather than traditional building construction. As a result it saves expenses 1. For example large stadium roofs can be cover by membranes using cables.

Cable & beam supported membrane. Source: European Design Guide

References:
1.http://www.birdair.com/sustainableDesign/reduced_material_usage.aspx
2. European Design Guide for Tensile Surface Structures.