Whiteout is a research project that explores the topological evolution of tensile fabric skin systems simultaneously through computational simulation and physical material prototyping. Tensile fabric is inherently topological in its material behavior since it gains rigidity when stressed through double curvature. Therefore, the topological conditions integral in the material informs the process of adapting the surface to a range of possible geometries.

The project tests the range of possible topological conditions through the process of embedding geometries into the datum of an existing structural system. Responding to the existing geometry of the wood structure, multiple distinct conical forms were located to create spatial voids. A singular topographic surface unifies the project by stretching upward in reaction to the disparate geometries of the cones while the base of the surface is held down at the perimeter and in the center to ensure consistent tension. The continuously stretched white elastic skin simultaneously promotes the perception of difference of the cone geometries below while also attempting to pull the parts back into a cohesive singular object. The deformed white surface is simulated computationally using parametric tools to test and predict the behavior of the physical material. After several iterations using different stiffness factors were simulated, physical materials tests were performed and measured. The translation of the physical tests was re-introduced into the computational physics solver, providing confidence that the skin would behave according to the simulations.

The cone geometries were translated into tubular steel frames using CNC cut jigs to fabricate the bending and welding of components accurately. The skin panels were unrolled and transferred to the physical spandex material for cutting and then the panels sewn together. The skin was pre-fabricated as one continuous surface derived from 30 unique panels. All of the components were flat-packed and delivered to the site as a kit-of-parts ready for assembly.