chao chen creates biomimetic water-reactive material using pine cones

chao chen creates biomimetic water-reactive material using pine cones
all images courtesy of chao chen

nature has the answers to all of life’s problems if one looks close enough; the pine cone is no different. in order to protect and release its seeds, the cone has the ability to open and close its surface in reaction to water. its outer layer has a higher hygroscopic expansion ratio than the inner therefore causing, when dry, it to elongate outwards and release its seeds amidst optimum conditions.

veneer and nylon/polyester/styrene combined creates a bilayer material which can imitate the pine cone

this natural phenomenon led RCA grad student chao chen, to commence ‘water reaction’ a materials study into the pine cone. utilizing inherent properties, he was able to create a water-reacting laminate that can detect humidity levels, and change its shape automatically without mechanical structures or electronic elements. to showcase possible scenarios in which the laminate would be useful, chen created a water indicator — for use with domestic plants — and a water-reacting surface — as an architectural exterior. using naturally occurring technology, these products are able to easily solve common h20 related issues.

 
pine cone diagram 

water indicator 

when the soil is plenty wet, the strip becomes limp and displays the blue side 

the water-reacting shelter is made of laminated tiles supported by a plywood structure

once wet, the pieces fold into a structure similar to shingles 

installed as an architectural exterior material 

humidity, moisture barrier 

detail 

in rainy conditions, the material folds, allowing the colorful façade color to show through 

‘water reaction’ RCA final show 2015

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom