A new panel technology integrating wood, textile and geometric cutting patterns, is adding another dimension to furniture and architectural design.
Developed by Wood-Skin Srl, which was founded in 2013, the highly-flexible Wood-Skin panels incorporate a core of nylon mesh and polyester resin sandwiched between layers of Finnish birch plywood, MDF, OSB, Okume or other specialty materials, and finished with wood or stone veneer, laminates, metal or varnish.
After the panel core is made, 3D modelling software is used to create the design pattern. The sheets are then routed into the prescribed polygon shapes/angles. These become the bending points, or “digital hinges,” for shaping the one-piece Wood-Skin panel into architectural millwork, such as ceilings, curtain walls and facades, or as self-supporting 3D furniture, such as tables.
Already with projects under its belt Wood-Skin Srl also debuted its “Programmable Table” at this year’s Fuori Salone Del Mobile in Milan. The table was a collaboration with MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab, with Biesse as the technical sponsor.
Standard sheets of the Wood-Skin panel are 1200mm x 1250/2450/3050mm, 1500mm x 1550/2550/3050mm and 2500mm x 1250mm, with three thicknesses — 4mm, 6.5mm and 12mm — available. The company says Wood-Skin can be used for indoor or outdoor projects, and is available with water-resistant and fire-resistant characteristics.
From Woodworking Network: https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/wood/panel-supply/One-Piece-Wood-Skin-Panels-Can-Be-Bent-Into-3D-Shapes-301211771.html#sthash.DPEom1yl.dpbs