Composite solar shading SHARKS

aluminumoutdoorfor facade

Overview
Sharks is an adaptive shading system for building envelopes. The architectural expression of the façade and the energy performance can be controlled by individually addressable modules. The tile pattern of the modules is not limited to predetermined sizes or geometries; panels can be milled and bent in various configurations. System complexity is driven by behavior rather than non-standard components. Even with a simple pattern many variations are possible.

Operation and construction

• Individually addressable modules for adaptive control of façade shading and appearance.
• Panels can be milled and bent; no restriction to predefined tile sizes or geometries.
• Modules can be triggered together, in bands or individually.
• The envelope can be supported by an existing building structure or by an additional support (e.g. frames or cable-net solutions).

Note
Installation video materials are available (no direct links provided on this page).

Project data

• Building type: student experiments
• Location: Milan, Italy
• Material: ALUCOBOND®
• Color series: metallic
• Color name: Silver Metallic (500)
• Architect: INDEXLAB - Creativity & Technology, Pierpaolo Ruttico
• Year: 2016
• Contributors: Erica Gamba, Marco Sangiorgio, Davide Cucchi

Characteristics / Technical specifications

• Sharks prototype: dimensions 3 x 1 m.
• Contains 24 individually addressable modules.
• Modules are mechanically workable (milling) and bendable, allowing numerous variations in the tile pattern.
• System behavior (control) generates the main complexity; many variations possible even with simple patterns.
• Support system: use of existing building structure or additional frame/cable-net solutions possible.