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Energy-Saving Artistically Contoured Ceilings

Researchers at ETH Zurich Debut HiRes Concrete Slab

— July 10, 2022 — Eco
This beautifully contoured ceiling was developed by researchers at the technology university ETH Zurich. Titled 'HiRes Concrete Slab,' the project does not only bring an aesthetic innovation to the interior design industry. It also offers energy-saving properties as per claims made by the researchers.

The contoured ceiling prototype is installed in ETH Zurich's NEST research building. The researchers used 3D-printing techniques and embraced "material reduction, integrated building services, and the spectacular aesthetic of free form." The chosen construction method enables the innovators to use a minimal amount of material. The spectacular contoured ceiling features four custom ventilation ducts, developed by the A/S team. The geometry of these ducts is what enables the ceiling to "optimize the airflow and minimize mechanical energy," as doctoral student Andrei Jipa shared.

Image Credit: Andrei Jipa
Trend Themes
1. Energy-saving Building Materials - The HiRes Concrete Slab Ceiling offers energy-saving properties by using a minimal amount of material and optimizing airflow.
2. 3d-printing in Interior Design - The use of 3D-printing techniques in developing contoured ceilings offers a new aesthetic innovation to the interior design industry.
3. Integrated Building Services - The HiRes Concrete Slab Ceiling embraced integrated building services by developing custom ventilation ducts that optimize airflow and minimize energy usage.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The development of energy-saving building materials like the HiRes Concrete Slab Ceiling presents opportunities for construction companies to offer more sustainable options to clients.
2. Interior Design - The use of 3D-printing techniques in creating contoured ceilings presents opportunities for interior design companies to offer innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions to clients.
3. Building Services - The integration of building services in developing custom ventilation ducts presents opportunities for building service companies to offer energy-saving solutions to clients.
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