Adaptative vertical skin is a new type of shading system consisting in a light weighted diagrid structure and rotating panels. For the configuration of these panels we took inspiration from the natural way to order flower petals, fish scales, reptile skin... known as Phyllo taxis, reducing self-shading of the elements and minimizing the material.
2014
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The diagrid, as known, is a quadrilateral grid of diagonally intersecting metal beams.
In the horizontal diagonal of each quadrilateral, a tubular stepper motor rotates a nail shaped panel.
In our case, each panel is moved by a tubular step motor and every movement is coordinated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor coordinates the movement of all the panels, in order to reach the best configuration to a specified climate condition or just to have a dancing effect.
This system can be used for the construction of buildings and roofs.In hot climates or during summer the screen of direct sunlight is maximized rotating the panels in a configuration that changes during the day, following the sun path, in order to have a passive cooling.
In colder climates or in winter the panel configuration will maximize the direct sunlight and protect the rest part of the structure providing additional isolation.
This vertical structural skin expects to maximise the comfort and minimise energy consumption reacting to the sun and to different weather conditions.
Ines Pedras
