Who we are
The Nomad Concept is a Belgium-based studio practice by architect Amandus VanQuaille, focused on tensile architecture and lightweight structures.
What we do
Textile Architecture Design
The Nomad Concept is an architecture studio practice specialised in tensile architecture and lightweight structures. We study optimised structures, both aesthetically and structurally.
We design exclusive projects worldwide, but also work as consultant for other architects and engineers in the field of tensile architecture.
It is our goal not only to build beautiful structures, but especially architecture that is LASTINGly beautiful with excellent materials.
We work on three levels: residential, corporate and public.
Structural Analysis
Our design method is based upon solid scientific research and in-house development computer programmes and software to analyse tensions and displacements of optimised tensile structures. We calculate and study form-finding and pre-tension, calculate displacements and tensions after applying external loads such as snow- and wind loads, following the Eurocode.
Lastly we determine the installation procedure: if not carefully studied and without experience, forces could be larger during installation than during normal use.
Detailing, Production & Installation
To ensure the highest grade of finishing and security, we work out all the technical details, patterning of the fabric and shop drawings. We carefully design and plan down to the last detail.
The Nomad Concept works with the highest possible quality materials available worldwide to ensure security, durability, and a lasting feeling of luxury.
Portfolio
The beauty of optimised 'natural' forms
Tensile Architecture is about maximizing to the minimum: a maximum of enclosed or covered space with a minimum of materials
From our inception in 2000, we have delivered exceptional public, corporate and private architectural environments that are stimulating to occupy and fundamental to their surroundings.
We achieve this through:
- our love & passion for architectural design and beauty
- tradition: research on historical architecture (commissioned by the German Research Council)
- our passion for nature and natural landscapes, with experience in the field
- innovation: a passion for scientific research, mathematics and engineering
- a passion for excellence and exquisite craftsmanship
- feeling and thorough research for more than 25 years into materials with lasting value
As a full-service firm, The Nomad Concept is present on projects from start to finish, ensuring that the ideas conceived in the beginning with clients are manifest at the end. We achieve this through close collaboration with all members of the project team, including consultants, contractors, material suppliers and artisans.
The Nomad Concept helps clients and advises colleague-architects in realising a tensile project in each phase: optimising design and form, engineering and analysis, patterning, detailing, manufacturing, mounting and maintenance.
Design Approach: form finding
The people are our inspiration, nature is our guide. Designing tensile architecture is all about understanding the beauty of optimised forms in nature. In Nature, there is only one creature spilling material and energy: men. If we want to think in an ecological way, we simply have to watch and study the perfection of natural forms, whatever the scale – micro or mega. Organic forms are the most logical forms, at least if those forms are optimised as in biological structures.
The Nomad Concept can shape and calculate optimised organic forms with it’s own designed software under the 3D AutoCAD environment. This ensures the perfect integration of the membrane in the total project and the needless exchange of data with other construction partners.
In-house developed advanced software
The Nomad Concept has developed in-house advanced software within the surrounding of AutoCAD to analyse forms of membranes in a integrated 3D model of the surrounding architecture. That means we work in the same integrated 3D model as the other building partners. Forms of membranes come with their corresponding tensions and displacements within the membrane structure or grid shell. We define the formfinding and pre-tension of the system, and calculate tensions or displacements after applying external loads such as snow- and windloads. We want to build safe structures that sustain all actions and influences likely to occur during execution and use following the Eurocodes.
Patterning
Patterning is a unique design stage for tensile fabric structures. In the patterning design stage, the three-dimensional surface of the fabric membrane, found by means of form finding, is flattened obtaining a two-dimensional cutting pattern for the fabric.
The Nomad Concept developed own software to optimise the width of the patterns up to the last millimetre. That means a significant gain, both ecological and economical: less raw material (membrane) loss is of utmost importance when using valuable materials such as PTFE.
Project Realization and Production
For the production of the membrane and lightweight structures, we work with the best and largest companies in the world. Those firms have a solid reputation and long experience. Installation is always supervised by the Nomad Concept to guarantee a smooth and safe planning process for our esteemed clients.
Our Clients.
