Design Prize for “nios”
Major Award for STRÄHLE + HESS University Project / Lightest Natural Fiber Attracts Attention Worldwide.
An overwhelming success for the innovative textile trendsetters STRÄHLE + HESS: together with university students, the leading international producers of special textiles won the Design Prize in the UrbanConcept class of the Shell Eco-marathon for their development of the world’s most fuel-efficient automotive interior. The key to success was “facalis”, the lightest known natural fiber.
The Eco-marathon is the largest energy efficiency competition, held annually and open to university students from all over Europe. The goal of the 200 teams participating this year in Lausitz, Germany, was to construct a vehicle that requires as little fuel as possible. With competitions held in Europe, the USA, and Asia over the last 25 years, the Eco-marathon is one of the most important forums worldwide for sustainable mobility.
Students at universities in Halle, Merseburg, and Chemnitz had formed a “hydro-culture“ team and decided not to restrict their attention to the technical components of their fuel-cell vehicle, as did some other teams. Instead, they also aimed for optimal functionality in the interior of their “nios”, which can drive at least 300 kilometers on one liter of fuel. The team’s contact to Claudia Khalil, chief designer at STÄHLE + HESS, was fortuitous, as student Paul Stawenow relates, “this was a great opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals.” The enterprise in Althengstett supported the 35-member team of young innovators that included students of engineering, machine construction, information sciences, as well as art and design. The Southern German firm not only provided material support, it also escorted the team through the entire process of developing and producing a unique prototype.
In doing so, STRÄHLE + HESS again emphasized its philosophy that in times of crisis the innovative value of a project has higher priority than mere reduction of costs. This allows intelligent and timeless products to evolve. In mutual workshops, a conventional two-seater with a futuristic flair was developed – and it is also road-safe. In addition to the ultra-light seats, upholstery, air ducts, and trunk, even the dashboard was covered with fabric made of the ecological and extremely flexible natural fiber. For light body parts, “facalis” was saturated with resin and hardened. Worsted carpet produced with the Dreben technology developed by STRÄHLE + HESS – it simultaneously twists and weaves the fiber – covers the floor inside the cabin, which also has an unobstructed view in all directions.
The applications of materials and technologies are revolutionary and have already made a reputation for the “nios” as a veritable light-weight with its 210 kilograms. Since it is built of biodegradable materials, the vehicle can later be recycled. For the same reason, depending on the intensity of light it is exposed to over time, the natural fiber can change its pastel mint color slightly. This does not impair the quality in any way.
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