Wavecore Sandwich Panel

The Wavecore Sandwich Panel demonstrates how material flexibility can be of advantage for generating structural stability. The waved core of the sandwich panel is made of BioFlexi, a flexible high-density fiber board which consists of up to 90 % natural fibers from agricultural residuals and bio-based polymers. While the materials applicability for free form interior designs has already been proven, the Wavecore Sandwich Panel pushes the boundary towards load bearing applications. In combination with stiff surface plates in a sandwich structure, the panel provides high structural stability while at the same time being light-weight.

The finger joints connecting sandwich core and sandwich surface plates can be digitally fabricated by punching or laser cutting, making the whole fabrication process highly adaptable. Therefore, the fabrication process can be automated and even be applied for the fabrication of curved sandwich panels. With the soft and flexible core material offering inherent noise reduction, the Wavecore Sandwich Panel can be developed as a building system for floorings and partition walls.

Student design project by Julian Karl, University of Stuttgart.
Design Studio: Flexible Forms, WS 17/18