HydroSKIN: Climate-resilient Membrane Façade Prototyping
Christina Eisenbarth
1*
, Walter Haase
1
, Lucio Blandini
1,2
and Werner Sobek
2
1
Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK)
University of Stuttgart
Pfaffenwaldring 7, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
e-mail: christina.eisenbarth@ilek.uni-stuttgart.de, web page: www.ilek.uni-stuttgart.de
2
Werner Sobek AG
Albstraße 14, 70597 Stuttgart
e-mail: mail@wernersobek.com, web page: www.wernersobek.com
ABSTRACT
Figure 1 HydroSKIN façade prototypes at D1244 experimental high-rise building in Stuttgart © Christina Eisenbarth
Extreme heat and heavy rainfall events affect urban architecture with considerable personal injuries and
material damage on buildings and infrastructure. While social developments lead to increasing urban
densification, surface sealing, and the construction of high-rise buildings, the effects of climate change
urgently require the creation of more infiltration and buffer surfaces. Building envelopes cover a
considerable part of the urban exterior surfaces, and therefore have a significant leverage effect on the
climate resilience and sustainability of buildings and cities.