Pioneering metal weaving: Three groundbreaking projects selected for R&D programme

The TextielLab, the professional workspace of the TextielMuseum, is delighted to announce the three participants selected for our metal weaving R&D programme. This initiative explores the potential of (Jacquard) weaving with metal threads, inviting artists, designers, and architects to push the boundaries of material, technique, and aesthetics.

After our open call in summer 2025, we received over 200 submissions—from architectural studios to fashion, jewelry, and product designers. From a diverse and inspiring pool of submissions, three projects have been chosen, because of their varied approaches, open mindset, and expertise, we believe this will enable us to explore ambitious new directions in weaving with metal.

Studio Akane Moriyama
Studio Akane Moriyama, a Japanese textile artist and architect based in Sweden, plans to develop a three-dimensional structural system designed as a semi-transparent shelter for outdoor spaces. The project aims to transform the inherent flexibility and lightness of fabric into a durable, sculptural form, opening new possibilities for material expression in architectural environments.

Akane Moriyama (left) and product developer Judith Peskens during the kick-off. Photo by Patty van den Elshout.

“Our proposal for metal weaving explores the creation of a three-dimensional structural system that functions as a semi-transparent shelter for outdoor spaces. This project aims to transform the inherent flexibility and lightness of fabric into a durable form, opening new possibilities for material expression within architectural environments.”

Atelier Tomas Dirrix + Team Thursday
Bringing together two distinct creative disciplines, this collaboration unites Rotterdam-based Team Thursday, rooted in graphic design, with Atelier Tomas Dirrix, an architecture practice. By combining their expertise, the team investigates the potential of materials to shape both perception and experience in space.

Atelier Tomas Dirrix + Team Thursday with product developer Lotte van Dijk (left) during the kick-off. Photo by Patty van den Elshout.

Their project focuses on woven metal as a performative façade. Through iterative material testing, they will explore how patterns and textures in woven metal can actively mediate between interior and exterior, introducing a new spatial and sensory dimension to architectural design.

“Through iterative material testing, we will investigate how woven metal can function as a performative façade system. We aim to explore how pattern and texture in woven metal can actively mediate between inside and outside.”

Chris Kabel + SO-IL
Chris Kabel works across scales from product to architecture and is based in Rotterdam, while Florian Idenburg of the architecture firm SO–IL moves between his studios in New York and Amsterdam.

Chris Kabel + SO-IL presenting at the R&D metal weaving kick-off. Photo by Patty van den Elshout.

For this project, Chris combines profound curiosity for the intrinsic qualities of materials and objects with SO-IL’s expertise in textile-based architecture. Together with the TextielLab, they will investigate the structural potentials of woven metal, focusing on tension, porosity, and spatial experience. The project builds upon SO-IL’s previous work, including the 3D-knitted installation Necto for the 2025 Venice Biennale and the chainmail-like façades at the Kukje Gallery.

Chris Kabel: “I’m excited to couple my profound curiosity about the intrinsic qualities and affordances of materials and objects and their application in the built environment with SO-IL’s expertise in textile-based architecture and the technical knowledge of the textile lab.”

SO-IL: “With material exploration at the core of Solid Objectives Idenburg Liu (SO–IL)'s design approach, we are incredibly excited to delve into metal weaving and engage with the TextielLab's innovative spirit alongside Chris Kabel and the other participants. Through this collaboration, we look forward to investigating the structural potentials of fabric and extending our work with tensioned systems, porous skins, and atmospheric enclosures into new spatial and material expressions.”

Shaping the future of metal weaving together

Kick-off R&D metal weaving. Photo by Patty van den Elshout.

These selected projects demonstrate the innovative potential of metal weaving, where aesthetic ambition, experimentation, and practical application converge. The intensive work period begins in the summer of 2026, during which participants will collaborate closely with our expert team in Tilburg to develop prototypes and explore applications that could inspire the wider creative and architectural sectors.

At the TextielLab, co-creation and knowledge sharing take center stage. Through close collaboration and hands-on experimentation, we aim to push the boundaries of woven metal and discover new possibilities for design innovation together.

Curious to see how these innovative projects will unfold? Keep an eye on our socials for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive glimpses into the creative process.