FlectoLine PV-Façade

Bio-inspired, pneumatically activated façade system with custom-designed organic photovoltaics – tested on a large scale at the Botanical Garden in Freiburg.

The FlectoLine Façade Demonstrator is the first large-scale exterior façade system based on flexible fiber-reinforced laminates with integrated pneumatic actuators. Developed at the Institute for Textile and Fibre Technologies (ITFT) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) of the University of Stuttgart, the system combines active shading and energy generation within a coherent architectural concept.

The façade modules consist of fiber-reinforced composite panels with locally defined hinge and bending zones (“compliant mechanisms”). With only about 0.3–0.4 bar of pressure, the elements can open or close up to 90°, responding dynamically to changing weather and sunlight conditions.

A key innovation: organic photovoltaics (OPV) by ASCA were integrated into the movable flaps, specifically developed for the geometry and curvature of the system. The integration was carried out by ITKE using a special lamination process. The OPV films supply the façade with self-generated energy – powering the actuators, sensors, and control system.

The demonstrator, located at the Botanical Garden of the University of Freiburg, covers an area of approximately 83.5 m² with over 100 movable lamellas, impressively illustrating how façades can dynamically adapt to environmental conditions.