Fa-bo is a three-storey office block recently built for a Japanese fabric manufacturer in Nomi city, Ishikawa Prefecture. While Japan is known to have the most disaster-resistant buildings in the world, fa-bo is the first to incorporate carbon fibres as a means of earthquake-support.
The carbon fibres extend from the roof, surrounding the minimalist concrete structure in a web-like curtain. Architects Kengo Kuma and Komatsu Seiren set up the fibres on the building’s exterior so that they act as seismic support should another earthquake hit Japan.
While unrecognised by Japanese architectural standards, the architects have recognised the resilience and lightness of carbon fibre and its potential as a reliable building material.
“Until now I had never thought that fibre and architecture were connected,” said Kuma, “but this has shown me new possibilities for architecture.”
Fa-bo joins the ranks of a new architectural movement that combines textile design and architecture to bring interesting, innovative and technological elements to buildings and structures.
