The ROSIE has landed

ROSIE, a lunar habitat and the tallest 3D-printed polymer structure in the world, incorporates Kvadrat Really materials and Kvadrat textiles. It is located at Institut Auf dem Rosenberg in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

The tower-like structure offers a realistic moon habitat, which adheres to the launch constraints while avoiding typically expensive space-grade engineering solutions. Almost seven metres tall, It hosts two people – four in an emergency – and features a series of zones for living and working, which integrate tables crafted from our Textile Board and walls made from Textile Felt.

On the wall behind the ladder which runs from the top to bottom of ROSIE, the Textile Felt is specified in tonal gradient, created with natural dyes, which mimics a sunrise. Re-wool and Steelcut, specified in cool shades to help the astronauts fall asleep, are used in the sleeping pods at the top of the structure. The textiles are placed above each other, recalling a horizon.

The Kvadrat Really materials and Kvadrat textiles enhance the acoustic environment and accommodate the need for a functional habitat with airlocks, climate control, user interface and remote robotic assistance. They also reflect the interior concept, which unites natural materials, tranquil colours, and stimulating surfaces.

Sebastian Aristotelis, Co-founder & Lead Architect SAGA Space Architects: "The main focus for our design is wellbeing. Soft materials such as felt and textiles are among the best tools for us as space architects. We have worked together with Kvadrat on all of our space habitat interiors. And the quality of the products and the depth of knowledge from the team is second to none."

The unusual form of ROSIE derives from a topology optimisation method that provides a lightweight yet robust alternative to the regular pressure vessels seen in other space habitats. The habitat is based on learnings and experience from the LUNARK habitat and mission completed in 2020.