the dynamic windows of the kiefer technic showroom by ernst giselbrecht + partne

The long cushions on the southwest fill with nitrogen to block heat and filter light in 30 minutes, a beautiful, cascading nitrogen cloud responds to the rising temperature outside, replacing a conventional air conditioning system, which can account for 80 per cent of a building’s energy consumption. The triangular pillows on the southeast side inhale and exhale like lungs to provide sensor-controlled sun shading. After application of voltage, the material expands, and the component flattens out.ĮTFE operable windows by Herzog and de Meuron

If the supportive frame is flexible, due to the initial pre-stretching of the acrylic film, the frame bends. As a result, after actuation the film becomes thinner and its surface area increases. Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner designed the Kiefer Technic Showroom as an office building and exhibition space with a façade that optimizes the building’s internal climate. First, due to the attraction of the opposing charges, the film is squeezed in the thickness direction (up to 380%), secondly, the repelling forces between equal charges on both electrodes result in a linear expansion of the film. Once the voltage in the range of several kilovolts is applied between the electrodes, the polymer changes its shape in two ways. In principle it consists of a thin layer of very elastic acrylic tape sandwiched between two electrodes. EAP is a highly attractive component for kinetic architectural applications due to its extreme flexibility, lightness, thin dimensions and smooth actuation.ĮAP is a polymer actuator that converts electrical power into mechanical force. The distinctive properties of the material should not only become a mere actuator replacement but be orchestrated for their aesthetic qualities. The ETFE skin allows light to filter through but shades the people inside from direct sunlight, reducing UV rays by 85% Essentially the skin is a dynamic form of insulation and super energy-efficient window in one.

A solar-powered automatic light sensor, that regulates sunlight and temperature for the structure, controls the skin.

Inflatable Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene (ETFE) skin.

The dynamic windows of the kiefer technic showroom by ernst giselbrecht + partne