Modulo by Caon Design Office: A Modular Membrane for Aerospace

In a forward-thinking collaboration, Caon Design Office and Woolmark introduce Modulo, a revolutionary aircraft seat design.?

Modulo is a concept born from Caon's practical expertise and research in aviation and transport design, combined with a desire to challenge the status quo of aircraft cabin interiors by addressing key issues. For the industry these include weight reduction, sustainability, and the need for frequent cabin refreshes. For the passenger it’s about wellbeing, hygiene, privacy and experience.

In partnering with Woolmark, Caon identified Australian Merino Wool as the perfect material for this project due to its next-to-skin softness, strength, innate versatility and technical benefits. Importantly, Merino Wool is a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre.

“By harnessing the benefits of Merino wool, such as breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and luxurious softness, Modulo demonstrates how Merino is uniquely positioned to elevate the future of travel through unparalleled comfort and enhanced sustainability. This collaboration with Caon Design Office underscores a shared commitment to driving innovative solutions with eco-conscious design principles.” said John Roberts, Managing Director, Woolmark.?

The physical embodiment of the seat concept hints at conventional layouts of First Class seating without being confined to a particular category. Modulo represents an exploration of materials, shapes, and concepts rather than a specific proposal for configuration and features.

“In exploring how to expand the capability of the wool fiber within the airline industry we address a major bugbear of airlines in that they have to spend huge sums of money and time in changing the feel of their cabin interiors. Passengers benefit too by having more of this wonderful material which breathes and allows us to play with light and opacity to create new scenarios for privacy and relaxation.” David Caon.?

With Modulo, airlines have the opportunity to offer a refreshed, sustainable, and uniquely human travel experience, even on the most extended journeys.

Embracing an aesthetic inspired by organic forms, Modulo reflects an appreciation for the interplay between material properties and design outcomes. This approach, reminiscent of Mario Bellini's work with Olivetti, celebrates the beauty that arises from the natural shapes and textures of materials.

Modulo's design is smartly integrated with sensors and technology to elevate the comfort and safety of passengers. These sensors actively monitor and regulate seat temperature for optimal comfort. Additionally, they prompt passengers to move periodically, with these features specifically aimed at mitigating health risks associated with prolonged immobility, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The 3D knitted wool blend membrane is the defining visual facade of the design. By elevating wool from a surface material to the primary touchpoint, Modulo offers a distinctive tactile and visual experience for passengers. It also leads to significant weight reductions, enhancing sustainability and reducing operating costs through lower fuel consumption.

Typical current day products rely on rigid composites or plastics for partitions or seats whereas Modulo utilizes wing-like woolen elements, thereby concentrating on a single material as the central theme of the design.

An ultralight yet robust framework of titanium, aluminium, and carbon fiber forms Modulo's structure and supports its distinctive fabric membrane. This semi-transparent skin, shaped by advanced 3D knitting techniques, forms a wool blend that is structural yet pliable. Carbon and elastic polymers integrated into the fabric grant dynamic flexibility, allowing the seat to transition smoothly from an open space to a private enclosure. The knitting technology employed in Modulo allows for the strategic integration of wadding within specific sections of the fabric. This design choice significantly diminishes the reliance on traditional foam.?

Modularity is a defining feature of the concept, allowing airlines to adapt their cabin aesthetics with agility and minimal effort. A primary objective of the design was to offer airlines the opportunity to rejuvenate their cabins with greater frequency. Instead of adhering to the conventional 10-year cycle, Modulo proposes the feasibility of even seasonal updates.

Aided by a sophisticated quick-release mechanism, the wool membrane skin can be interchanged as effortlessly as a standard seat cover. This adaptability not only reduces downtime but also provides a dynamic and refreshing passenger experience with each update, ensuring that the cabin environment remains contemporary and engaging without requiring the airline to ground the aircraft for lengthy periods or reconfigure and refit seats.

This concept extends beyond aviation, offering a versatile solution adaptable to future modes of transportation. Its lightweight structure and modular nature are ideal for the evolving landscapes of mass transport, hyperloops, autonomous vehicles, and electric aircraft. The concept's adaptability ensures that as we move towards more sustainable and technologically advanced transport options, Modulo can seamlessly integrate, enhancing passenger comfort and experience across various travel ecosystems.

Caon Design Office

The Woolmark Company