Annette O’Toole for JPA Design has reached the short list of the International Product Design Awards 2013 with ‘Texture Map’ in the Fabric category.

The design team were challenged to create a 3d fabric suitable for the contract and the aviation markets. It needed to perform for abrasion in both markets sectors and comply with the stringent certification requirements of Boeing and Airbus. The fabric construction should offer a range of design opportunities in terms of pattern and scale, to extend the potential range to the customer. Dimensional quality has not been previously offered to the aviation sector, mills have not offered it, airlines would not know that it could be achieved.

For the contract market this textured wool fabric offers performance of wool fabrics and the trend in fashion and residential sectors where certification is less stringent. The ambition was to determine a method of manufacture whereby the fabric is constructed in one weaving process.

JPA Design, in collaboration with Botany Weaving Mill, have created the dimension with high twist yarns, this ensures product consistency and no additional process is required. 40% of the fabric surface creates air pockets, improving comfort through increased airflow which reduces moisture content and reduces heat. The enhanced texture offers tactile interest softening the interior and the fabric volume enhances the sound absorbing properties, a benefit  to contract and aviation environments.