KineticSKIN

Όνομα Εταιρείας: University of Stuttgart

Αρχιτέκτονας: Maria Matheou

Σύμβουλοι - Μελετητές: Moon Young Jeona, Reiner Rössler

Aριθμός Εγγραφής Αρχιτέκτονα
Μητρώο ΕΤΕΚ: A050656

The KineticSKIN project aims to improve visual comfort and energy efficiency in building offices. It features cable-driven actuated sun-shading elements that respond to environmental changes in real-time, converging solar harvesting, solar protection and user preferences. Following the functional requirements, the design concept started from a single-axis foldable bifurcated 3D printed module featuring upper and lower wings. The upper wing primarily contributes to the global energy cycle, particularly within the urban context, by redistributing solar radiation.

In summer, it dynamically changes the folding angle to track the sun to mitigate heat gain or harvest solar energy over time. During winter, when solar altitudes are lower, the upper wings reorient solar radiation towards indoor ceilings, maximizing interior natural lighting and solar gains in winter while protecting against glare. Complementing the upper wings, the lower wings are user-controlled, allowing occupants to customize indoor conditions to meet specific requirements, considering various usage scenarios such as illuminance, view to the outside and ventilation. The hardware system is designed as a framework to accommodate interchangeable inserts, such as PV panels or high-reflective textiles, based on the role of the wings. A key feature of this project, is that only two actuators control 12 facade modules independently. That means lower wings can be adjusted differently from the upper wings to accommodate to user preferences while protecting from solar radiation. This design allows for versatility and serves a wide range of purposes.

A multi-criteria approach focuses on analysing different performance metrics such as illuminance, glare, view analysis, irradiance analysis and building operational demands. Daylighting and solar irradiance simulations were conducted using Climate Studio and Ladybug plugins for Rhinoceros 3D, while energy demand assessments utilized EnergyPlus. Simulation studies on different climates such as Stuttgart and Cairo were conducted during the summer and winter solstices at noon. Configurations prioritizing visual comfort minimize glare, particularly in winter, but lead to increased artificial lighting and heating demands in Stuttgart. Conversely, setups optimizing daylight availability and solar heat gain enhance energy efficiency by reducing artificial lighting and heating requirements, illustrating the balance between user satisfaction and energy performance. Results in Cairo show that KineticSKIN reduced solar heat gain by up to 50 % in summer, alleviating over-heating and cooling demand, while in Stuttgart, winter configurations with light-redirection reduced artificial lighting demand by up to 70 % without compromising occupant comfort. 

By balancing daylighting, solar protection, solar harvesting, and user comfort, AKFs present a compelling solution for enhancing building performance and climate resilience across diverse environmental contexts in different seasons.
Photos illustrate the installation of KineticSKIN in the first adaptive high rise building in the world. Our prototype is exhibited at MAXXI in Rome in the frame of the exhibition ""Architecture in Motion"".

Photo credits: Maria Matheou