Towards zero energy house integrated design: Parametric formwork for capillary systems in precast concrete panels

This paper investigates current research in the design of a parametric facade system for a prototype solar-powered house being developed for the 2013 Solar Decathlon to promote high performance building while using traditional passive strategies. The house design employs a precast carbon geopolymer concrete panel system, which is inlaid with a capillary system capable of circulating cooling and heating liquid to provide efficient comfort for occupants. To improve the efficiency of the concrete panel system, we have introduced a complex parametric formwork, which was developed through an analysis of various computer controlled router bit profiles and curve logics, in three dimensions. The parameters of this system are based on earlier conclusions about the effectiveness of our combination of geopolymer concrete and capillary system, while attempting to improve the system by increasing the surface area of the wall and through the creation of more expressive surface.