Structural Adaptive Façades

Structural Adaptive Façades

Master’s dissertation by Chloë Marysse – Master of Science in Civil Engineering -2016

 

 

 

 

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“Kinetower

Name: Kinetower

Location: Damme, Belgium

Architect(s): Kinetura (Barbara van Biervliet and Xaveer Claerhout)

Façade type: Double-skin

Function: Optical (daylight control), Electrical (regulation of energy)

Classification: Movement: Material based – Self-change Control: Local – Direct

General concept

The Belgian design team Kinetura recently created a new kinetic concept for buildings located in a green area on a distance of a city centre. The concept, called ‘Kinetower’, is made out of huge dynamic elements that are able to transform in a physical way.

Adaptive system

The movement is ensured by the use of flexible, shape memory materials. The flexibility of these materials is combined with motion-based technologies. The used flexible materials need to possess the property to be rigidified but on the same time flexibility is necessary to make it possible for the materials to bend. For the creation of the concept, the ‘form follows function’ approach was used. In the future, the movement and adaption of the panels should be further optimised to the specific application. Also the speed can be adapted according to more specific requirements.

Building physics and energy

When the Kinetower concept is used in the design of a high-rise building/tower, optimal use of daylight can be obtained and the possibility to capture or re-use energy. The Kinetower has a great illuminating power. This explains the fact that the Kinetower is sometimes called an energy-regulator. The regulation of the façade is based on the reaction to changes in the weather conditions and also changing needs of the users.”