The research project ADAPTEX investigates the potential of using the Smart Material Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) for an adaptive sun shading textile for architecture. By incorporating SMA as an actuator into a textile structure, the permeability of the surface adapts in response to temperature changes of the immediate environment. ADAPTEX thus creates a responsive, textile shading system that regulates solar gain, maximizes daylight autonomy and minimizes overheating and glare without the need for electricity - thereby significantly reducing a building's overall energy consumption.

ADAPTEX Mesh is a resource-efficient, simple concept with a high technology-readiness-level. Two membranes with identical perforations are aligned in front of each other to provide maximum permeability. As one of the membranes slides upwards, the overall permeability of the total surface decreases. The advantage of this principle is a small movement generating a considerable impact in terms of shading efficiency. Glass and basalt filaments are laid out to
counterbalance the pull-force of the vertically integrated SMA and therfore to prevent deformation of the fabric. As the SMA is activated, it contracts by 3% and slides the entire membrane a few centimeters upwards. As the temperature drops and the SMA cools down, the weight of the fabric ensures that the mesh moves back to its original position driven by gravity only. The openness factor can easily be adapted to specific building requirements and scenarios by customizing the filament layout. The mashrabiya-inspired textile pattern is based on a parametric 3D model that also serves as a basis for computer driven production. ADAPTEX Mesh is a shading textile that not only regulates the incoming sunlight but also interacts with it: as the one layer slides on top of the other, intriguing new patterns appear, intensified through the materiality.

Authors:
Weißensee School of Art and Design Berlin / DXM - Design Experiment Material, www.dxm-berlin.de
Dipl.-Ing. Maxie Schneider, Dipl.-Des. Ebba Fransén Waldhör, Prof. Dipl-Ing. Christiane Sauer
Priedemann Facade Lab GmbH, www.priedemann.net
Dipl-Ing. Paul-Rouven Denz, MSc. Arch. Puttakhun Vongsingha