3D-Printed Light Cocoon

German firm EDAG Engineering has collaborated with German outerwear brand Jack Wolfskin to develop a waterproof fabric membrane that stretches over the 3D-printed skeletal structure of its latest concept vehicle, the Light Cocoon.

Inspired by leaves, it builds on EDAG’s Genesis Cockpit concept, which was made with a 3D-printing technique where the skeletal passenger cell was suspended inside a protective shell. The Light Cocoon is wrapped in an ultra-lightweight waterproof outer coating from Jack Wolfskin called Texapore Softshell. It then uses backlight technology to illuminate the organic configuration of the 3D-printed structure.

“We are pursuing the vision of sustainability – as demonstrated by nature: lightweight, efficient, and without any waste,” explains Johannes Barckmann, EDAG’s head designer. “The EDAG light cocoon presents a stable, branch-like, load-bearing structure from the 3D printer, which only uses material where it is absolutely necessary.”

For further inspiration, see our Materials Focus 2016-17 rationale Super-Smart for more on ingenious structural designs inspired by nature to achieve lightweight and sustainable frameworks.

The concept will be shown at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.