Cost-effective, sustainable, self-actuating, thermally-responsive, bio-composite exo-skins that act like shields or cloaks for existing buildings could reduce the energy demand for existing buildings, achieving the benefits of a retrofit without the complicated and invasive processes of a traditional retrofit procedure. Conceptually and in laboratory tests this material is a laminated, advanced bio-composite smart material. Designed in various geometries, this material can be utilized as an applied and independent exterior building layer or exo-skin, responding to environmental conditions in order to modulate heat gains and light, ultimately improving building energy efficiency. 

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Further information about Malini Srivastava's research can be found in her Facade Tectonics 2018 conference submission, Self-actuating, thermally responsive, laminated bio-composite for retrofit.

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