Live Smart / Solar Blinds industrial, medical or construction applications. One of these was a recent development by scientists from ETH Zürich, who built on this hygromorphic( moisture-sensitive) ability of the pine cone to create a prototype of a system that would provide maximum shade during the heat of the day( low humidity) and less during periods of low light and high humidity. Their sun-shading prototype relies on a system using two different layers of wood( spruce and beech), each cut and joined so that their grain would run perpendicularly to one another, thereby mimicking the structure of the pine cone and its response to humidity.
These planks, arranged in pairs, would change their shape and rotation in reaction to the level of humidity, enabling them to effectively‘ close’ the space created between them when the humidity levels decrease due to sunny conditions. And when the level of humidity increases again, and the temperature drops, the planks‘ open’ to let in more light. While this is not foolproof at this point, the prototype certainly deserves further development as it could be used to create roof or window coverings that operate under their own power, keeping out the sun and keeping interiors cool.
‘ We already have automated blinds, but this is is brilliant,’ says Kenneth Dove CEO of Mediterranean Lifestyle. ' On the automation side, going into 2019 we are seeing a move away from wired motors for blinds, and a larger emphasis being placed on wire-free or battery-operated motors, so this innovation is way on trend.’ adds Dove
The effects of climate change, and more specifically the threat of increased temperatures to life as we know it, is a hot talking point for most of us – unless you’ ve been living under a rock for the past couple of decades. So, any product or system that is made from environmentally friendly materials, has low maintenance and operational costs, and results in the cooling of a building without the use of electricity is sure to be a winner.
Tessa Buhrmann
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