Taubman College University of Michigan researcher Harry Giles has developed a bio-composite-based solar control system for building envelopes. Entitled SITumbra, short for structurally integrated transparent umbra (or shade), the passive solar device is a kind of 3D blind system that mitigates solar heat gain during summer yet allows for direct sunlight penetration during winter. The structured shading device is ideal for retrofits as well as new construction, and is comprised by recyclable and renewable materials.
SITumbra is featured in the Aug. 1, 2010 issue of Architectural Lighting magazine, in the Research/Technology section.
