# Energy-Saving Facades This Smart Facade Blocks Light When Exposed to Strong Sunlight By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-04-10 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-facade References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/sunlight-blocking-facade/36946/) & [fraunhofer.de](http://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2015/april/saving-energy-with-smart-facades.html) Researchers from Germany's [Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-2) have created a "smart facade" that offers better performance as well as energy savings. Developed as part of a collaboration between the Fraunhofer Institute and the Weissensee School of Art, this light-blocking facade only kicks in when exposed to strong sunlight, and it just so happens that it is powered by sunlight itself. This smart facade, based on a concept by design student Bara Finnsdottir, comprises an array of circular flower-like components, each of which contains a fabric disc with nickel-titanium alloy wires. The allow is a [shape-memory material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-flax-pavilion), meaning it can stay in shapes it is bent into and will temporarily revert to its original shape when heated. This facade can be fitted to existing windows or used on new windows. It represents intelligent use of design and engineering know-how ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smart Facades:** The development of smart facades with light-blocking capabilities offers improved performance and energy savings. - **Shape-memory Materials:** The use of shape-memory materials, such as nickel-titanium alloys, in facade design allows for flexible and adaptive structures. - **Solar-powered Solutions:** The integration of solar power into building facades enables self-sustaining energy sources for various applications. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can leverage smart facade technology to create more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. - **Materials Science:** The development and application of shape-memory materials in facades present opportunities for innovation in the materials science industry. - **Renewable Energy:** The integration of solar-powered facades contributes to the advancement of renewable energy solutions in the construction and energy sectors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Squid-Inspired Smart Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel.md) - [Energy-Saving Artistically Contoured Ceilings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contoured-ceiling.md) - [Automated Window Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorized-window-shades.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Window-Emulating Lighting Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/window-chronicles.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Ultra-Thin Solar Panel Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-2.md) - [Sunlight Simulating Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aura-illuminated-shades.md)