Dome

Surface of Kevlar sails, mounted on aluminum grid and backed with polycarbonate panels; Headquarters for the 32nd America Cup's sailing team from Italy, corporate sponsor Prada. (The race was held in Valencia in 2007). This unusual facade construction is made of 50 recycled Kevlar sails that have been used in races in recent years, cut into panels. The sails were preassembled on aluminum frames over a steel structure. To improve its technical performance, and particularly its rigidity, the cladding was reinforced with polycarbonate panels. The 485 panels form a semi-transparent patchwork box that allows natural light to filter into the structure by daytime, while creating a "lantern" effect at night. Source: Renzo Piano Building Workshop [firm website]; http://www.rpbw.com/ (accessed 8/2/2013)