Varicomposites are composites materials that have purposefully designed spatially and temporally variable properties imparting new functionalities for structural applications. Such wide-ranging properties can be used to develop new structural concepts as well as improve efficiencies of existing structures. Recent progress in developing new analytical methodologies and manufacturing methods is discussed that have been used to design new concepts for hydrogen storage, aircraft design and deployable space structures exploiting the highly desirable properties of thermoplastic composites. New developments in thermoplastic manufacturing have been key to develop these new design concepts. Thermoplastic composites facilitate continuous production methods with little material wastage and minimal secondary joining operations. Specific new designs highlighted include thermoplastic tape spreading for future cubic pressure vessels, a variable stiffness three bay wingbox with cutout showing no stress/strain concentration and new types of deployable booms for space antennae and cubesat applications.