BOSS clad its storefront in an interlocking 3D printed façade, fabricated from recycled materials.

The recently renovated BOSS store at İstinye Park, Istanbul, reveals a striking 3D printed façade, inspired by textile weaving.

A collaboration between Ippolito Fleitz Group and Aectual, 3D printed waste materials have been reimagined to create an innovative and circular storefront - merging cutting-edge technology with sustainable design.

Aectual’s advanced 3D printing technology enabled the designers to rethink the façade with a focus on sustainability and customised branding. Inspired by woven textiles, the façade translates the delicate wefts and warps found in BOSS garments into a 3D printed architectural feature.

Covering 73 square metres, the giant structure comprises 136 uniquely printed pieces that interlock seamlessly. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the design also provides practical benefits, such as shading and temperature regulation, effectively merging beauty with functionality.

The Ippolito Fleitz Group initially approached Aectual with the idea of crafting an open, graphic skin for the building—a large sunshade that would cover nearly the entire storefront. Collaborating closely with Aectual's development team, the design process began with the Gradient panel series. This series served as the foundation for a custom pattern designed by Ippolito Fleitz Group, inspired by intricate textile designs. Following the approval of the concept, several 3D printed mockups were produced by Aectual to ensure the final panels met all design specifications.

In today's market, storefronts are evolving rapidly to capture consumer attention. Aectual provides a sustainable solution with its customisable products and innovative ‘Circular Service’. This service ensures that after the panels have served their initial purpose, they are returned to Aectual, shredded, and reprinted into new products - ensuring full circle use. Aectual also exclusively uses plant-based and recycled waste materials. For the BOSS facade, the panels were crafted from recycled post-industrial Polypropylene.

The collaboration between BOSS, Ippolito Fleitz Group, and Aectual showcases a shared vision for pushing the boundaries of architecture and material innovation. The result is a store facade that not only reflects BOSS's impeccable style but also aligns with sustainable design principles.

With its expertise in creating unique, circular facades, Aectual continues to expand its presence in storefront designs globally. A recent project includes the Tiffany & Co. storefront at Changi Airport, designed by MVRDV and 3D printed using recycled ocean waste.

Interested in learning more about how Aectual can enhance your project? Click here to discover more of its impressive portfolio of products and projects.

Photography credits: Stefaan Devooght