- Client: Masdar City
- Architect: Metadecor
- Facade Engineering/Consultant: Arup
- Inventor: Airshade Technology (Nikola Znaor)
All images copyright of Arup Gulf Ltd
In an era where energy efficiency and sustainable design are becoming more central to architectural innovations, technologies like the Airshade system have emerging as practical solutions for improving comfort in external and internal environments.
The award winning Airshade is an innovative, passive shading system that responds to changes in ambient temperature without using electricity, motors, or sensors.
The system provides automated solar shading using only temperature change as its trigger. This makes it a low-maintenance and energy-free alternative to conventional, motorized sun-control systems.
Key Components of the Airshade System
At the core of Airshade Technology are three main components:
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Air tanks – These containers are exposed to sunlight. When the air inside heats up, it expands and actuates the pistons.
- Pistons and mechanisms – The pistons are activated by the expanding hot air, causing the shading panels to open. As the air cools and contracts, the cylinders close the shading. This mechanism eliminates the need for motors or electronic controls.
- Shading devices – These are the visible panels or elements that provide shade. The panels can be designed in many forms and materials and can operate in either horizontal or vertical orientations depending on the architectue.
It is important to note that the real innovation behind the system is in the air tanks, pistons, and mechanisms that drive the movement. This makes Airshade adaptable to a wide range of design needs.
Operational efficiency through counterbalancing
A key element in the Airshade system is the counterbalancing of the shading panels. By balancing the panels against gravity, the system requires less force to operate, which in turn means it can react to smaller changes in temperature. This improves responsiveness, reduces mechanical stress, and extends system longevity.
Versatile application
Airshade Technology is highly adaptable and can be integrated into a wide range of architectural application. It is suitable for façades, roofs, skylights, public canopies, courtyards, internal atriums, and even dynamic art installations. Because the mechanism operates independently of the form, shape, or material of the shading element, designers and architects are free to explore a variety of configurations.
Whether installed horizontally to shade rooftops or courtyards, or vertically to protect glazed façades and windows, the system delivers consistent performance. This flexibility allows Airshade to be seamlessly incorporated into both new builds and retrofits, enhancing functionality without compromising architectural intent.
Counterbalancing is especially useful in larger or heavier shading elements, allowing them to move smoothly and consistently even with minimal temperature variation.
Proven performance: Masdar City Prototype
Airshade Technology has been tested and validated through a full-scale prototype funded by Masdar City. The prototype was developed as a collaborative effort between Arup and Airshade Technology and was manufactured and tested by Metadecor.
The installation was designed specifically to assess the system’s performance in a challenging desert climate. The results demonstrated that the Airshade system reliably and responsively adjusts to environmental temperature fluctuations. This successful test confirmed its mechanical durability, low maintenance requirements, and effective solar control, solidifying its readiness for use in demanding architectural contexts.
Key benefits
- Uses only thermal expansion: no electricity, motors, or sensors required. Reduces reliance on mechanical cooling and contributes to lower energy use.
- With no moving electrical parts or complex electronics, maintenance is minimal and long-term reliability is increased.
- The dynamic nature of Airshade ensures that spaces remain comfortable throughout the day, adjusting shading levels to minimize heat gain and glare. This contributes to better occupant comfort and satisfaction.
- By minimizing the need for active cooling systems, Airshade technology can significantly reduce operating costs. Over time, the savings in energy costs can offset the initial investment in the technology.
- Can be applied to a variety of shading forms and materials. Compatible with both modern and traditional architectural styles
Conclusion
Airshade technology represents a forward-thinking approach to shading and energy management, offering an efficient, sustainable solution for controlling heat gain and optimizing comfort. By relying on the principle of air expansion, the Airshade system adjusts to the changing environment, providing both shading and natural light management. This innovative system reduces reliance on mechanical systems and contributes to the overall sustainability of modern architectural designs.
Credit for the design goes to the team at Airshade Technologies; Nikola Znaor, Ante Znaor and Joe Platt and the Arup team that included Paul Simmonite, Mercedes Gargallo, Aidas Juozevicius, Andrew Glover, Giulia Cavallari and Rick Titualer and the Masdar City senior leadership for believing in the invention and funding the prototype.