Book excerpt: Textiles, polymers and composites are increasingly being utilised within the building industry. This pioneering text provides a concise and representative overview of the opportunities available for textile, polymer and composite fibres to be used in construction and architecture.The first set of chapters examine the main types and properties of textiles, polymers and composites used in buildings. Key topics include the types and production of textiles, the use of polymer foils and fibre reinforced polymer composites as well as textiles and coatings for tensioned membrane structures. The second part of the book presents a selection of applications within the building industry. Chapters range from the use of textiles in tensile structures, sustainable building concepts with textile materials, innovative composite-fibre applications for architecture, to smart textile and polymer fibres for structural health monitoring.With its distinguished editor and team of international contributors, Textiles, polymers and composites for buildings is an important reference for architects, fabric manufacturers, fibre-composite experts, civil engineers, building designers, academics and students. - Provides a concise and representative overview of the opportunities available for textile, polymer and composite fibres to be used in construction - Provides an insight into how high-tech textiles already influence our daily lives as well as potential applications in modern buildings - Features a thorough discussion of technical characteristics and requirements of textiles used for buildings and construction