Wrapped In A Robotically Woven Facade, Texoversum University Building Opens In Germany

Project Name: Texoversum
Architects: Allmannwappner, Menges Scheffler Architekten
Photographs: Brigida González, Allmannwappner, Menges Scheffler Architekten
Facade Design Team: ICD / ITKE — Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD — Achim Menges), Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE — Jan Knippers)
Facade Elements Fabrication: FibR GmbH
Building Design Team: Allmann Sattler Wappner Architekten, Menges Scheffler Architekten, Jan Knippers Ingenieure
City: Reutlingen
Country: Germany

Texoversum education center designed by Allmannwappner and Menges Scheffler Architekten in Reutlingen, Germany combines academic and textile research functions with a distinctive architectural form. Developed by ICD / ITKE at the University of Stuttgart, the building’s carbon and glass fiber facade exemplifies pioneering techniques in robotically woven materials, symbolizing fiber-based innovation. The self-supporting, modular tiles follow solar paths for a dynamic, layered effect, eliminating the need for a secondary frame and maximizing views. Internally, Texoversum’s open, textile-inspired layout encourages collaboration, integrating exposed materials and color gradients that enhance its interdisciplinary academic purpose.

ICD / ITKE Unveils Texoversum in Reutlingen, Germany

In the university town of Reutlingen, Germany, the Texoversum building is a groundbreaking architectural achievement, collaboratively designed by Allmannwappner and Menges Scheffler Architekten. This newly unveiled center for education and innovation is distinguished by an advanced facade developed by the ICD / ITKE research teams at the University of Stuttgart. The facade’s distinctive design, crafted from carbon and glass fibers, sets a new standard in architectural innovation, highlighting the future possibilities of fiber-based materials and robotic construction techniques.

Wrapped in a Robotically Woven Facade, Texoversum University Building Opens in Germany — The Texoversum building. Image © Brigida González

A Complex Facade of Robotically Woven Fibers

Designed by Allmannwappner and Menges Scheffler Architekten, the Texoversum building forms a key component of Reutlingen University of Applied Sciences campus expansion in Germany. This building is a hub for education, research, and innovation in advanced textile technologies. Architecturally, it embodies a textile theme in both structure and purpose. Inside, the design integrates various disciplines and activities, creating a layered, dynamic environment. Externally, the facade showcases a pioneering blend of woven carbon and glass fiber tiles, giving Texoversum its unique identity and establishing it as a symbol of architectural and material innovation.

A Modular Design for a Complex Surface

Texoversum’s facade, crafted through a robotic winding process developed by ICD / ITKE, marks a significant advancement in German architecture. Custom carbon and glass fiber tiles, created from five distinct templates, track the sun’s path, forming a striking, multi-layered effect. These self-supporting tiles require no additional load-bearing framework, providing open, uninterrupted views. Beyond functionality, the facade is a visually compelling demonstration of the innovation and future potential of fiber-based materials and textile-inspired techniques in architecture.