Adaptive Facade

Concept

 

Kinetic bifold that modulates sun while giving occupants the ability to completely open their space.

 

Program

 

The bifold aims to reduce heat gain in the summer and increase it in the winter while simultaneously acting as a light shelf while in the upright position. The project arises from the environmental inefficiencies that most highrises in Vancouver, BC and around the world deal with. By attaching the light-weight piece to the exterior of the building it can be added to a new construction or as a retrofit on an existing one.

 

Experience

 

Throughout the day louvers embedded into the bifolds move with the sun to create shade and a cohesion to the building as a whole. A hand operated lever that is inspired by old railway track switches enables the occupant to either close all of the louvers for privacy or to activate the bifold to shift upwards allowing for a large view outwards. 

 

Tectonics + Materiality

 

Small black oxide steel rails are spaced 6' across the entire facade with small connecting pieces at each floor. The bifolds are composed of lightweight aluminum louvers and a hollow metal frame. 

 

Olympic Village | Vancouver, British Columbia | 2015

In collaboration with: Casey Williams, Joe Hudec, and Cody Tucker