Aero bicycle

During Milan Design Week three architects bring to Milan a wooden and carbon fiber bicycle, a work of structural engineering that explores the possibilities of materials. #MDW2016

Atanas Zhelev, Mariya Korolova and Martino Hut, Aero bicycle
Aero bicycle is a brand established by architects Atanas Zhelev, Mariya Korolova and Martino Hutz.
Originally designed during their studies at University of Applied Arts Vienna with Studio Zaha Hadid, this bicycle aims to uncover new possibilities for wooden structures.
Atanas Zhelev, Mariya Korolova and Martino Hut, Aero bicycle
Atanas Zhelev, Mariya Korolova and Martino Hutz, Aero bicycle
The shape is generated using structural form finding methods. Through the simulation of forces that are typically imparted on a bicycle, a catalogue of design solutions for the supportive structure was generated. After choosing the most interesting solution in terms of handling and design, the shape was remodelled and further analysed using more precise material inputs. Replacing conventional spring solutions, the wooden lamellas of the frame provide lightness, flexibility and strength. Composite Wood Technology was specifically engineered for the realization of this particular design. This technology is similar to the way in which carbon fibre is used to manufacture composite structures.
The bicycle frame is constructed through the layering of 0.9mm wooden sheets and gluing them together into the desired shape. The natural fibres of each wooden sheet are aligned into the force direction running inside the frame which provides additional strength to the structure. Furthermore, this results in less material being used whilst achieving greater stiffness and more complex and elegant geometries.
Atanas Zhelev, Mariya Korolova and Martino Hut, Aero bicycle
Atanas Zhelev, Mariya Korolova and Martino Hutz, Aero bicycle

The wooden sheets are glued together into one peace and sandwiched from both side with layers of carbon fibre. After comprehensive material research the architects realised that the use of carbon fibre within the wood is probably the best solution.

The carbon absorbs the sheer forces which are higher on both sides of the wooden block and birch gives the flexibility of the wooden block. The ratio between the carbon and the birch controls the flexibility of the wooden lamellas. Test have been made with Höller, a wood company in South Tyrol who are also Aero’s manufacturer and material consultant. All other parts of the bike can be obtained in a conventional bicycle shop.


Aero Bicycle
Management, Engineering control: Atanas Zhelev
Concept and design: Martino Hutz
Technology development: Mariya Korolova
Partners: Studio Zaha Hadid, Institute of Architecture, University of Applied Arts Vienna, Altair Engineering (structural consultant), Höller (manufacturing, material consultancy), Maveo.net (media production)

12 – 17  April 2016
Sbodio 32
via Sbodio 32/2, Milano

Latest on News

Latest on Domus

Read more
China Germany India Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Sri Lanka Korea icon-camera close icon-comments icon-down-sm icon-download icon-facebook icon-heart icon-heart icon-next-sm icon-next icon-pinterest icon-play icon-plus icon-prev-sm icon-prev Search icon-twitter icon-views icon-instagram