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Researchers have developed an innovative design that reduces wall temperatures by up to 3°C, offering a sustainable and efficient solution without wasting energy.
Patterns in zigzag can be the solution for high temperature constructions. This is the proposal of a study led by Qilong Cheng, Columbia University, which revealed an innovative design to reduce wall temperatures by up to 3°C, without wasting energy.
The researchers' idea promises to be an important advance in combating the growing demands for cooling homes, which already consume a significant portion of energy.
Buildings and the impact on energy consumption
Today, buildings account for 40% of global energy consumption, as well as being responsible for more than a third of global carbon dioxide emissions.
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A significant part of this energy is destined to air conditioning, a resource whose demand could double by 2050, according to estimates.
As the planet warms, passive cooling solutions – which do not consume energy – have gained a lot of attention. It is in this context that Cheng's research proposes a practical and sustainable alternative to reduce energy consumption in cities.
How does the zigzag design work?
The design consists of structural walls with protrusions that form a zigzag pattern, creating a configuration capable of redirecting solar energy away from buildings.
This design reduces the temperature of external surfaces through radiative cooling, a process that reflects sunlight and emits infrared radiation into space.
Cheng explains that design acts as a natural filter: “With this type of design, we can have a cooler building. So we can reduce the energy consumption for cooling."
This approach is particularly effective in areas where walls absorb not only solar heat but also radiation from the ground – a limitation faced by conventional strategies such as white-painted roofs.
The potential and the challenges
Although promising, the solution presents challenges. Radiative cooling, which is already being used on roofs and horizontal surfaces, still has limitations in cold climates. During the winter, walls designed to reflect heat can increase the need for heating.
To get around this problem, Cheng's team developed an adaptive version of the design.
It includes articulated “fins” that can be adjusted according to the season: in summer, they help reflect heat; in winter, they increase thermal absorption.
One step to the future
The research was published in the journal Nexus and highlights the importance of innovating in urban construction to combat the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, passive solutions such as zigzag can be a relief not only for the electricity bill, but also for the environment.
The study reinforces that tackling the climate crisis requires creativity and adaptation. And sometimes, the future can be hidden in small details, such as a simple geometric pattern.
I have seen this in the form of cladding boards with a slanted pyramid on the outer face.