“Phalanx Insulation” by CSULB Industrial Design team, image/information source: AskNature
Phalanx Insulation is a biomimicry-inspired passive cooling system for building facades, developed as a 2018 finalist in the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge by a CSULB Industrial Design team.asknature+1
System Design
It features a three-layered grid applied to existing exterior walls, mimicking nature to passively reduce heat absorption and interior temperatures without electricity or moving parts.askelanddesign+1
- Layer 1 (cactus, Saharan silver ant): Wavy, reflective surface for heat reflection.
- Layer 2 (cathedral termites): Channels hot air upward for ventilation.
- Layer 3 (Saharan camel, wheat): Captures morning dew or gray water for evaporative cooling.[asknature]
Applications
Targeted for hot urban coastal areas like Southern California, it cuts HVAC needs, uses sustainable materials, and fits retrofits without major alterations—ideal for EU sustainable urban projects in Bucharest.csulb+2
Team details from asknature.org/team/phalanx-insulation confirm Eric Askeland (lead), Albert Gonzalez, Tim Enslow, Oscar Guerra, and Jesus Mateo.[csulb]
