ZERAF, a smart building component

ZERAF envisions a new generation of building façades that actively reduce unnecessary energy use while maintaining indoor comfort. Rather than acting as a passive boundary, the ZERAF façade is conceived as an intelligent interface that communicates with other smart building systems to coordinate shading, lighting, ventilation, and heating and cooling systems, where present.

By integrating data from weather stations and forecasts, on‑site electricity generation, and user preferences, ZERAF aims to optimize how buildings respond to changing environmental conditions and occupants’ needs. At this stage, the project is focused on the development and validation of the façade technology that enables this vision.

The ZERAF concept combines multiple adaptive elements—including kinetic cladding, a controlled ventilated air cavity, solar‑absorbing surfaces, and active insulation—into a single, integrated system. These components are coordinated through a dedicated control logic that can either limit heat transfer or enhance it when beneficial.

Through the active modulation of solar exposure, heat transfer through the wall, and air movement close to the façade, ZERAF lays the groundwork for façades that dynamically regulate a building’s thermal behaviour, supporting energy efficiency, resilience, and occupant comfort.