Design can play a key role in lessening man’s environmental impact – and in the search for ways to reduce energy consumption, the humble curtain has its part to play. Maintaining acceptable temperatures in buildings through heating and cooling accounts for a significant proportion of global energy consumption. Insulation in building walls commonly uses very small pockets of air trapped in materials such as glass wool, cellulose and polystyrene foam. Employing the same principle, the use of insulating curtains in living spaces is an economical and energy-saving way to create a comfortable indoor environment, reducing heat loss caused by drafts, thermal bridges and windows. The Augmented Curtain takes this a stage further.

このプロジェクトでは、再生 PET で作られた Kvadrat の Reflect 糸を使用して、空気を閉じ込め、窓と部屋の間に絶縁バリアを形成する小さなチューブで構成された軽量カーテンを作ることで、3D 織り技術の可能性を活用しています。3D 織りファブリックの構造は、3 つの直交方向に配置された 3 つの異なる糸軸で構成されています。第 3 の糸は、ファブリックの厚み方向を補強する役割を果たします。この技術により、ファブリック内に空のポケットが形成され、カーテンが空気を受動的に捕捉できるようになります。したがって、オーグメンテッドカーテンは、冬の熱損失と夏の中程度の温度上昇を低減できる新しい種類です。

Guberan and Blin saw working on the textile itself as a creative opportunity: the 3D woven structure allowed them to explore various colour combinations, creating contrasts between warm and cold tones on different sides and within the fabric’s layers. Finishing the edges was a challenge due to the fabric's composition of four layers, which prevented traditional closure methods. However, the use of recycled PET yarn meant that the edges could be heat sealed, giving the final piece a contemporary appearance.