In the field of sustainable construction, biomimicry is opening surprising frontiers. The latest revolution is a shade covering that mimics the behavior of a pine cone: it opens and closes autonomously in response to environmental conditions, without the need for electricity or computerized controls.
The Power of Biomimicry
La biomimetics, the art of imitating nature to solve complex problems, is revolutionizing the way we design sustainable technologies. Globally, the biomimicry market is expected to double by 2027, from $26,3 billion to $53,6 billion. This increase could translate into significant job growth, with opportunities for both scientists and technicians and engineers involved in the design and manufacturing of bio-inspired solutions.
Now, one of the most interesting innovations comes from Germany: the SolarGate, a system that naturally regulates sunlight in buildings and takes inspiration from none other than… a pine cone.
How does a pine cone work?
Nature has already solved many of the problems we face today. The pine cone, with its scales that open and close in response to moisture, is a perfect example of environmental adaptation. Achim Menges, director ofICD (Institut de conception et de construction informatics) ofUniversity of Stuttgart, led the team that transformed this natural mechanism into applied technology (here you can find more information).
The autonomous revolution
Unlike traditional shading systems, which require energy and complex mechanisms to function, Solar Gate operates completely autonomously. It has no electronic or mechanical components: it simply uses the properties of the materials to respond to changes in humidity and temperature.
The researchers chose the cellulose, a natural, abundant and renewable material, as the basis for their system. Using the innovative technique of 3d printing, have created elements that mimic the scales (sporophylls) of the pine cone. These components react naturally to atmospheric conditions, just like their biological models.
The Dance of Humidity
The operation is surprisingly simple and elegant:
When exposed to high humidity, cellulose elements expand, opening the system and letting sunlight pass through. On the contrary, in a dry environment, they release humidity, contract and close, blocking most of the sun's rays.
THEUniversity of Freiburg tested the system for a whole year in real conditions. The livMats, a demonstration building dedicated to research, became the perfect test bed, with Solar Gate installed on its south glazing. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the system: The elements open in winter to maximize natural heating and close in summer to prevent overheating.
The future is in the pine cone
Solar Gate is more than just a technological innovation: it shows that the most elegant solutions to our problems may already exist in nature. As the head of the plant biomechanics group at theUniversity of Freiburg, the system is not only as robust as its biological models, but also reproduces their aesthetics of movement.
This innovation opens the way to a new way of thinking about sustainable construction. Instead of adding more and more technology and complexity, we could find more elegant and sustainable solutions by observing and learning from nature. The pine cone, with its simplicity and efficiency, teaches us that sometimes the best answers are the most natural ones.