Buildings based on spider webs

There is a type of roof which is based on the construction of spiderwebs. This technique is known as biomimicry, or technological progress inspired by nature. 

These buildings copy the structure of spiderwebs since they have qualities of strength and elasticity such as: 

• their lightness 
• their shock absorption capacity 
• they can be lengthened by up to 40%

The Spiderweb Structure in Architecture 

The shape of a spiderweb is used in architecture to cover the largest surface area with the minimum of material possible. Steel cables are used to replace the spider’s fibre. The roof of the structure is generally a light understructure, covered by a membrane.  

Buildings with a light understructure covered with a membrane are known as modern membrane buildings. This type of structure, like a spiderweb, is much lighter than those with a traditional frame. 

American researchers have found that is if the understructure modelled after a spiderweb had to resist a tremor, this form of architecture would allow it to survive. This can be explained by the fact that like a spiderweb, if one part of the structure takes a shock, the rest is unaffected. 

Creating a spiderweb-like structure requires a longer building time than a traditional structure.  

Buildings According to This Principle 

• The Estadio de la Plata in Argentina has been built by reproducing the shape of a spiderweb in order to protect it from shocks that it may experience. 

• The Fiero Milano shopping centre in Italy was inspired by a spiderweb, particularly for the speed of their construction. 

• The Olympiastadion in Munich: its translucent roof can be compared to a large spiderweb. 

Superior Sound Insulation 

The spiderweb style allows for high-quality sound insulation: the web absorbs or lessens the overflow of sound waves. 

Thanks to this observation, scientists have created materials known as “metamaterials”, which, when produced in large quantities, allow the sound insulation of homes to be improved.  

Frei Otto and Spiderweb Buildings 

Frei Otto is a German architect, who was the first to create biometric constructions mimicking the structure of a spiderweb. According to him, our current society is looking for a return to lightness, energy efficiency and adaptability. Increasing the number of more natural constructions is very important for him. For Frei Otto, this increase would be possible with a rise in the number of spiderweb-based buildings. 

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