What is it about?
Building façades are crucial for a building’s energy efficiency and indoor comfort. We introduce a dynamic façade made from lightweight, flexible ETFE foil, commonly used in architecture. The façade gradually changes shape to control sunlight, adapting to weather conditions to optimize natural light indoors, reduce energy use, and minimize reliance on artificial heating and cooling.
Featured Image
Photo by Bethany Legg on Unsplash
Why is it important?
By developing a climate-responsive façade using ETFE foil, this research addresses the urgent need for energy-efficient buildings to combat climate change. Buildings are major contributors to CO₂ emissions, and improving their performance is crucial for sustainability. The adaptive shading system optimizes natural light and reduces reliance on artificial heating and cooling, lowering energy consumption and operational costs. This innovation not only enhances occupant comfort but also drives the advancement of environmentally responsible building design.
Perspectives
I'm passionate about smarter, more sustainable buildings. This research explores a new way to use lightweight ETFE foil in dynamic façades, improving sunlight adaptation, comfort, and energy performance. It could be a step toward buildings that better respond to their environment for a greener future.
Dr. Jan-Frederik Flor
Taylor's University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Tunable foil pneu: A concept study on kinetic shading systems for climate-sensitive building envelopes, January 2025, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0258553.
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Resources
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This study explores how ETFE multi-layer foil constructions with adaptive shading enhance natural daylight in office spaces. It examines their potential benefits when used in double-skin façades for energy-efficient retrofitting. Through simulations, the research evaluates daylight distribution and performance using advanced lighting analysis methods. Results indicate that switchable ETFE façades can enhance daylight conditions compared to standard glazed façades, providing more even light distribution. The study highlights the potential of adaptive ETFE systems to improve indoor lighting quality and energy efficiency. A video presentation accompanies the paper.
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This paper documents the development of a functional model of a switchable ETFE cushion for adaptive façades. It examines reverse engineering, prototyping, and advanced manufacturing techniques to build and test the system. The research integrates parametric design, microcontrollers, actuators, and sensors to create a responsive building envelope. The paper outlines a practical workflow for designing and prototyping adaptive façades to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in buildings.
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