Curtains have always posed as the ‘soft’ mitigation element used in architecture to avert strong, uncomfortable sunlight. As a user related benefit of this application, our dwelling’s private interiors tend to insinuate a moderated, cool and calm ambiance. However, beyond their primary function, curtains have progressed to become exquisite decorative items, sometimes thought of as an important part of interior designing. But, we here at EcoFriend are more interested in their efficiently ‘green’ technological evolution. So, without further ado, let us check out some of the advanced draperies designed to conserve energy.
Energy Curtain
Conceived by a group of eco conscious industrial designers, the Energy Curtain is exactly as its name suggests: a curtain that fascinatingly harnesses energy. It is composed from a special fabric, woven with solar cells and light emitting materials. During the daytime, it serves as a normal curtain, by shielding sun rays. However, when night comes, the sustainable set up emanates a glowing pattern of light, fueled by the clean solar energy captured during the day.
Solar curtain SunTiles
Created by Astrid Krogh, the so called ‘SunTiles’ is the fruit of many years of research in the sustainable fields of LEDs, fiber optics and solar cells, and their interesting application in textiles. Coming to the conception itself, its soft structure is composed from a series of various solar cell plates. In fact, according to the designer, the curtains not only mitigate sun rays and harnesses solar energy, but also have the ability to act as a passive heat collector.
Some Shine solar energy storage system
Designed by one Ming-Ching Hsueh, the ‘Some Shine’ energy system is a solar power generating curtain with a clear difference. Obviously, during the daytime, it performs the dual functionality of blocking and absorbing sunlight. However, during the night, this ‘contraption’ being complimented by a battery pack can be hooked up with any of those smaller gadgets, via USB. Hence, your everyday used devices staring from phones to MP3 players can be charged using clean solar power.
Soft House curtains
An apt example where soft features of a building are utilized for energy generation, the Soft House curtains pose as the next generation elements of eco architecture. Conceptualized by architect Sheila Kennedy, the draping is composed from a special made textile, woven with organic photovoltaic cells. Though, they are not as efficient as their conventional counterparts, their inherent flexibility of usage more than makes up for it. In fact, the Soft House can generate up to 16,000 watt hours of electricity by these curtains alone.
Eco leaf Shade
Envisaged more as a kind of solar shade than an exquisite curtain system, the Eco Leaf alludes to the practicality of energy conservation. Like other conceptions mentioned before it, the mechanism will block and harness the sun’s energy. This accumulated power in turn can be used during the night time for various house functions such as lighting and charging of electronic gadgets.
Insulated Grommet Top Curtain
Made from a sturdy composite of 55 percent polyester, 45 percent cotton, and backed up a tough acrylic material, this Grommet Top Curtain is touted to be infused with a high insulation factor. In fact, according to the manufacturers, the draping can easily repel cold and heat, along with mitigating 50 percent light. All of these abatement features have to do with the hardy suede like liner, thickened by a layer of two panels.
Eclipse Crinkle Blackout Curtain Panel
Combining core functionality with a sober style statement, the Eclipse Crinkle Blackout Curtain can save up to 25 percent on both interior heating and cooling costs. With its top layer being composed from a crinkled faux silk, the shade heavy polyester structure can conveniently block out most of the outside light. In fact, its material is also claimed to be sound resistant, with noise mitigation available up to a range of 44 percent.
Tuscan Blackout Curtain
The Tuscan Blackout Curtain is imbibed with a special layer of energy efficient Thermatic coating, which allows a significant regulation of temperature, along with guiding proper ventilation. Its ‘pacification’ attributes also include substantial reduction of heat and cold drafts, complimented by effective light as well as noise resisting features.
Thermalogic Energy Efficient Curtain
Alluding to the more alluring scope of exquisite drapery, Thermalogic Curtain fuses energy efficiency with its classy form factor. The whole hanging is touted to have a heavier weight yet softer feel, which is conducive to deterring unwanted drafts. As a matter of fact, with its composition comprising of sturdy cotton with sailcloth like consistency, the curtain also boasts of light, heat and noise mitigation attributes.
Solar Module
Not exactly a ‘soft’ curtain as per the strictest sense of the word, the so christened ‘Solar Module’ can conveniently pose as one of those classy looking interior hangings. Made out of modular ceramic tiles, which are embedded with a photoelectric cell and a connected lighting mechanism, the set up can capture solar energy during daytime. And, finally when night comes, the artificial lighting system can take over, thus providing a fascinating play of modified space, subtle illumination and ardent sustainability.
