Lehnký

Lehnký is a term used in contemporary design discourse to denote a class of lightweight, modular panel systems intended for temporary or rapidly deployable architecture. The concept emphasizes ease of transport, rapid assembly, and low environmental impact. The name is derived from Central European linguistic roots associated with lightness, though its usage is widespread in international design literature.

Definition and features: Lehnký panels are typically composite elements built from a lightweight core material—such as recycled paperboard, bio-based polymer, or wood-fiber composites—encased in a protective skin. They are designed to snap, slide, or be fastened together without specialized tools, enabling assembly by non-specialists. The systems favor demountability, repairability, and on-site customization, supporting reuse across projects.

History and context: The term began appearing in design essays and project documentation in the early 2010s as practitioners sought alternatives to heavy timber or metal systems for pop-up pavilions, humanitarian shelters, and event architecture. Various prototypes demonstrated rapid deployment, modularity, and end-of-life recyclability as key advantages.

Materials, performance, and sustainability: Common configurations use low-density cores with fibrous skins to achieve a balance of stiffness and impact resistance. Many implementations prioritize low embodied energy and recyclability, incorporating recyclable or biodegradable components and aiming to minimize transport weight and volume.

Applications: Lehnký panels are used in temporary pavilions, exhibition stands, emergency housing, and rapid-response facilities where fast construction and portability are essential.

See also: modular construction, lightweight panel, biocomposite.