Project Summary
TENSILIGHT is a tensile fabric structure with a dished rooftop that collects rainwater and concentrates solar energy. It is designed to help small communities transition from a petroleum based economy to one that accommodates growth in an era of limited resources. The goal is to create enduring communities by partnering with an NGO that will provide education in organic agricultural practices.
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| TENSILIGHT side view | Solar Collector System | Rural Community Center |
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| Technical Information | Interior View | Educational Space |
TENSILIGHT Submitted to 2010 Buckminster Fuller Challenge
We have entered the TENSILIGHT project into the 2010 Buckminster Fuller Challenge hosted by the Buckminster Fuller Institute.
Read the Full Project Application or click here for more information on the challenge and previous winners.
Sharpe Design Group
The Sharpe Design Group is an interdisciplinary team of 3 designers seeking sustainable solutions for infrastructure and social environments.
Click here for additional information on the group and its members.
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| Nicholas Sharpe | Graeme Sharpe | Kimberly Sharpe |
Conceptual Design
The TENSILIGHT structure is designed to optimize the collection of natural energy and water resources, while at the same requiring fewer material resources for construction and maintenance. For these reasons, it is competitive with the cost of other renewable energy solutions.
Click here for more information.
Huista, Guatemala
The Huista Region of Guatemala was chosen as the initial testing location. Nicholas Sharpe has developed relationships with several local organizations, and the TENSILIGHT structure has been designed with this region's population in mind.
Click here for more information on this region and the people living there.
Implementation Plan
We have developed a multi-stage implementation plan. Key steps of the process include construction of a scale model, a prototype structure, and a final design.
Click here for more information about our future work.
Contact Us
If you are interested in contacting us please email Sharpe Design Group.
For anyone who wants to help our efforts, please forward the website to anyone you feel would be interested. We would also appreciate anyone who wants to write their politicians in support of climate change legislation. Encourage your representatives to ensure that we all share the rights and responsibilities of creating a sustainable world.