Audrey IhirwE



.space.objects.lab




















































Felt Pavilion
Showcasing felt in a pavilion exposing its qualities

2023










Erected as part of the Architect@Work fair, the “felt pavilion” is designed to showcase and highlight the qualities and implementation possibilities of felt.

Felt possesses not only aesthetic qualities but also acoustic and thermal insulation properties. Beyond demonstrating its applications, the pavilion aims at providing a fully immersive experience, leveraging the sensory aspects offered by the material.

The pavilion consists of a cubic structure mounted on a 20 cm platform with wheelchair accessibility. Felt is woven around this structure, creating a certain rigidity through the tension generated by the crossing of felt strips.









 The design process began with a fusion of two worlds : the world of basket weaving, which I found particularly relevant as it allows particularfibers to gain rigidity through braiding and the world of vernacular dwelling typical. One in particular : the yurt found in Mongolia. Adopting and reinterpreting its construction principles was the guideline : a base, a structure, felt, and cables holding everything together.

The constraints required designing a single-material stand, occupying a maximum volume of 7m x 7m x 7m, and made from six rolls of felt, each 30m long, 1.40m wide, and 5mm thick. Basing the pavilion’s dimensions on the rolls’ measurements allowed a reduction of waste and ensured that the elements could be reused even after the exhibition.

Through several iterations by model making, roll width was reduced from 1.40m to 70cm, allowing for a tighter weave and minimizing the need for external structural support. The pavilion is therefore entirely dismantlable, with all materials reusable. The furniture was designed to highlight the qualities of felt: it serves both as a suspended communication display and, when rolled and secured with straps, as a seat.