Featured Project of the Month: TERMIBELLA

Inspired by nature, designed for the architecture of tomorrow: The TERMIBELLA research project aims to develop an innovative, adaptive facade solution that will make a significant contribution to sustainable and energy-efficient construction.

At the heart of the project is the development of an intelligent building envelope whose functional principles are inspired by two fascinating models from nature: the structure and dynamics of dragonfly wings and the natural temperature regulation found in termite mounds. By combining flexible, ultra-lightweight facade modules with passive and active air circulation mechanisms, the goal is to create a system that dynamically adapts to changing environmental conditions.

In addition to conventional metal and hybrid structures, the project is also investigating wood-hybrid facades. The aim is to fully leverage the potential of sustainable building materials and construction methods and to make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the construction sector.

A key objective of TERMIBELLA is to significantly improve the thermal performance of buildings while simultaneously reducing energy consumption and the ecological footprint. The biomimetic facade is designed to respond as intelligently as possible to changing environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and the shifting position of the sun. This adaptability is intended to regulate the indoor climate as efficiently as possible and reduce the need for additional heating and cooling energy.

Simulation-based planning and calculation methods are used to develop and optimize the facade systems. These methods make it possible to specifically investigate and improve the structural stability as well as the thermal and kinematic adaptability of the structures.

A central component of the project is the implementation of a functional prototype. In a demonstration facade, theoretical findings are combined with experimental investigations and tested under realistic conditions. It serves as proof of concept and lays the foundation for the subsequent transfer of the developed technologies into technical applications.

The FFG Bridge project TERMIBELLA is being carried out in collaboration with several project partners. In addition to CU, the Starmann Group, RWT plus ZT, ITEK Traffic and Signage Technology, and TU Wien are participating in the project. This interdisciplinary collaboration brings together diverse expertise from research, planning, and technical implementation.