Superskin

Metal in Construction Competition
In collaboration with Brian Delaney
New York, NY

Competition Design Brief: In New York City, 75% of high rise office buildings are more than a half century old. Most will still be standing in 2030, a milestone year on city’s roadmap to carbon neutrality. Since buildings alone account for 80% of the city’s carbon footprint, replacing aging curtain wall systems is one of the critical steps towards reducing carbon emission and addressing the City’s Green New Deal. Superskin explores a new facade system that can be applied across the city’s existing office buildings. 

Superskin proposal is a synthesis of nature and technology. Inspired by natural systems, it transforms building facades into living machines that produce energy, store CO₂ and clean the air while maintaining comfort and flexibility for the occupants. Superskin is composed of two layers: an interior thermal layer of high performing curtain wall, and an exterior rainscreen layer of algae photobioreactor. The adjustability of the rainscreen gives user controls for view, ventilation and shade, while EFTE filled with algae culture uses photosynthesis to generate biomass and oxygen, while absorbing carbon dioxide and waste water nutrients. 

Photobioreactor System
In the application of 63 Madison, the Superskin will be composed of an exterior layer of 20’x13’ modules. Each module consist of 9 algea encapsulated recycled ETFE panels. One module is capable of absorbing 240 kg of carbon dioxide per year, which is equivalent to carbon sequestration of 4 trees. The cultivated algeas are then circulated, through horizontal supports rails, back to a biodigestor for biomass harvesting and biofuel production.

Microclimate Building Strategy: Summer & Winter
Semi-conditioned spaces function as climatic buffer and a harvest area for processing and transformation of biomass into food and electricity. This multi-faceted buffer cavity is designed to adapt to each season or weather condition for optimal user and performance scenario.
During summer condition, Superskin will act as a breathable shell to the building, benefiting from NYC’s West to East cross winds. The summer scenario is configured to circulate clean cool air through the building, while reducing solar heat gains, cooling loads, and exhausting internal heat. During winter conditions the Superskin will act as a highly insulated shell to the building, providing protection from NYC’s harsh winter cross winds and temperature. The winter scenario is configured to retain heat within the building by increasing solar heat gains, reducing heat loss to exterior, and protecting cavity and interior from high winds.

Module Construction

Facade System Details