No 10 of 16 – A rotating timber façade exploring seasonal shading and passive cooling
Can a façade help reduce overheating without complicated technology? Can reclaimed wood become part of an adaptable climate strategy? With Swissknife, the Bucky Lab team explores a modular timber façade combining seasonal shading, natural ventilation, and circular material use.
A second skin for passive cooling
Designed for the COA steel housing units at AZC Zeist, Swissknife proposes a second façade layer made from locally reclaimed timber poles. The ventilated cavity between the existing building and the wooden screen is intended to limit solar heat gain and encourage natural airflow. Inspired by the surrounding forest, the concept explores how local materials could contribute to a more climate-responsive building envelope.
Two sides, two seasons
The central idea lies in the rotating timber poles. Each element has two different surfaces: one natural and one charred, inspired by the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique. By rotating the poles 180 degrees, the team proposes adjusting the façade’s exposure to sunlight throughout the year. The different surface properties could influence solar absorption and shading, although their actual impact on indoor temperatures would require further testing.
Circular by design
Swissknife explores the reuse of locally available timber alongside steel components, with an emphasis on straightforward assembly and future disassembly. The team developed façade details, a step-by-step construction manual, and a physical prototype to investigate the feasibility of the proposed connections and rotating elements.
Simple ideas, new possibilities
Swissknife illustrates how relatively simple materials and mechanical principles can inspire new approaches to adaptable façades. While its environmental performance still needs verification, the project offers an interesting starting point for exploring seasonal shading, reuse, and low-tech climate strategies.
A Swiss army knife for the façade – adaptable, resource-conscious, and open to further development.
Project 10/16 – Bucky Lab | TU Delft
Students: Sarah Wagner, Avelet Rapoport, Valerie Phobe, Radha Barbhai
Supervisors: Dr.-Ing. Marcel Bilow, Ir. Nadia Remmerswaal, Ir. Ate Snijder, Ir. Govert Flint
