chao chen creates biomimetic water-reactive material using pine cones
all images courtesy of chao chen

 

 

 

nature has the answers to all of life’s problems if one looks close enough; the pine cone is no different. in order to protect and release its seeds, the cone has the ability to open and close its surface in reaction to water. its outer layer has a higher hygroscopic expansion ratio than the inner therefore causing, when dry, it to elongate outwards and release its seeds amidst optimum conditions.

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veneer and nylon/polyester/styrene combined creates a bilayer material which can imitate the pine cone

 

 

 

this natural phenomenon led RCA grad student chao chen, to commence ‘water reaction’ a materials study into the pine cone. utilizing inherent properties, he was able to create a water-reacting laminate that can detect humidity levels, and change its shape automatically without mechanical structures or electronic elements. to showcase possible scenarios in which the laminate would be useful, chen created a water indicator — for use with domestic plants — and a water-reacting surface — as an architectural exterior. using naturally occurring technology, these products are able to easily solve common h20 related issues.

 chao chen biomimetic water reaction material pine cones designboom
pine cone diagram 

 


video courtesy of chao chen 

chao chen biomimetic water reaction material pine cones designboom
water indicator 

chao chen creates biomimetic water-reactive material using pine cones
when the soil is plenty wet, the strip becomes limp and displays the blue side 

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the water-reacting shelter is made of laminated tiles supported by a plywood structure

chao chen biomimetic water reaction material pine cones designboom
once wet, the pieces fold into a structure similar to shingles 

chao chen creates biomimetic water-reactive material using pine cones
installed as an architectural exterior material 

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humidity, moisture barrier 

chao chen biomimetic water reaction material pine cones designboom
detail 

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in rainy conditions, the material folds, allowing the colorful façade color to show through 

chao chen biomimetic water reaction material pine cones designboom
‘water reaction’ RCA final show 2015

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: nick brink | designboom