In his latest design investigation, Joseph Choma, the founder of Design Topology Lab and an architecture professor at Clemson University, is helping shape up a future for fiberglass being used as a primary building material. Choma has been developing a fabrication technique that allows him to create structures by hand-folding fiberglass — a technique that he describes is as simple as folding paper.

By selectively coating resin on fiberglass cloth, parts can fold easily along the fabric hinges, Choma describes. The process doesn't require any molds or fasteners, which could mean less production cost and less material waste. In developing the technique, Choma is driven by the belief that fiberglass will become a primary building material in the next decade, possibly replacing steel. Typically used as a secondary component, fiberglass is noted for its resistance to corrosion and to harsh elements like fire. Choma's technique indicates that it's about time that fiberglass gains more attention in the architecture industry.

Choma thinks his technique can allow architects and engineers to design deployable structures, temporary shelters, flat-pack products, collapsible partitions, reusable packaging, and the like. Most recently, he and a team of Clemson undergrad students have been building small structures with his technique, including an inhabitable pop-up pavilion that is expected to be finished by the end of this month.

Check out Choma's technique in action in the video below.