The wax-based phase change materials (PCM) inside the glass bloc…
The wax-based phase change materials (PCM) inside the glass blocks provide thermal storage capacity and can provide different levels of visibility depending on the PCM state.
Clint Ford
Phase change materials in liquid form fill the the glass block.
Clint Ford
As the ambient temperature rises, the phase change materials cha…
As the ambient temperature rises, the phase change materials changes to liquid and expands to fill the glass block volume.
Davidson Rafailidis
The block structure and shape was derived from experimentation a…
The block structure and shape was derived from experimentation and design iterations. The interior geometry of this version has air pockets, an overflow space, and a structural exterior.
Davidson Rafailidis
Excerpts from time-lapse photography of the phase-change materia…
Excerpts from time-lapse photography of the phase-change material as the ambient temperature rose from 18.5 C to 23 C.
Davidson Rafailidis
Exploded axonometric diagrams showing the glass layers of the bl…
Exploded axonometric diagrams showing the glass layers of the block.
Davidson Rafailidis
The block geometry allows individual blocks to interlock and tra…
The block geometry allows individual blocks to interlock and transfer loads to a structural support.
Davidson Rafailidis
Small-scale prototype of the blocks comprising the thermometric …
Small-scale prototype of the blocks comprising the thermometric façade.
Davidson Rafailidis
Phase-change materials with different melting points have the po…
Phase-change materials with different melting points have the potential to create dynamic or responsive façades.
Following a material investigation that juror Gordon Gill called “valuable and interesting,” the concept for Thermometric Façade then took shape—literally. The project uses the thermal and volume-expansion behavior of wax-based phase-change materials to create a modular, structural glass block that becomes clear or opaque depending on the ambient temperature. Stacked together, the blocks can create dynamic walls that react to programmatic or environmental conditions. “It turns something discreet and hidden into an element of design,” juror Martina Decker said.
Project Credits
Project Thermometric Façade ArchitectDavidson Rafailidis Primary Investigator Georg Rafailidis (Davidson Rafailidis; assistant professor, Buffalo School of Achitecture+Planning (B/a+p), University at Buffalo, the State University of New York) Co-Investigator Stephanie Davidson (Davidson Rafailidis; clinical assistant professor, B/a+p, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York) Structural Consultant Arne Künstler, Imagine Structure Climate Consultant Roman Jakobiak
Wanda Lau, LEED AP, is the former executive editor of ARCHITECT magazine. Along with 10 years of experience in architecture, engineering, and construction management, she holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Michigan State University, an S.M. in building technology from MIT, and an M.A. in journalism from Syracuse University's Newhouse School. Her work appears in several journals, books, and magazines, including Men's Health, ASID Icon, and University Business. Follow her on Twitter.
