with the COVID-19 pandemic making efficient air circulation one of today’s priorities, designers robert-jan van santen, naree kim and sohyun jin have introduced the new ‘ublo’ ventilation system, which allows the space to breathe, without users having to slide entire doors and windows open. showcasing a distinctive round shape, ‘ublo’ can be installed directly on a window without a frame, deeming it an ideal solution for strictly enclosed interiors, such as high-rise houses or small storefronts. 

'ublo' customizable window helps indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic
all images courtesy of ublo 

 

 

‘ublo’ by robert-jan van santen, naree kim and sohyun jin is composed of a circular polycarbonate lid and perforated glass. it is designed to be adaptable, as it can be installed into any strictly enclosed space without violating any safety restrictions and without needing any additional sash framing. the newly developed ventilation system ensures efficient air circulation, while keeping the view open and the interior well-lit. 

'ublo' customizable window helps indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic

 

 

although ‘ublo’ has an opening of 150mm, the system uses buoyancy driven ventilation to achieve efficient air circulation in each space, through custom installation. in a 2019 calibrated CFD simulation with a yonsei university team, ‘ublo’ buoyancy ventilation competed with that of casement windows or project windows, common in domestic commercial buildings. many ‘ublo’ compositions are also capable of achieving the korea’s standard ACH, or rate of air change, for natural ventilation.

ublos round ventilation window is helping indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic 5

 

 

‘ublo brings a new innovative concept to the current window industry but has a lot to offer the rapidly changing world,’ shares the design team. ‘on top of ability to ventilate, it offers improved air quality, energy conservation, and customizable cap designs’ they add. the round cap of the window can come in a variety of materials/features in options including wood, metal, earth (breathable cork planter), sound (bluetooth speaker), 3D print customization, and light (light fixture).

'ublo' customizable window helps indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic

'ublo' customizable window helps indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic

'ublo' customizable window helps indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic
cork cover

'ublo' customizable window helps indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic
wood cover

'ublo' customizable window helps indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic
light fixture cover

ublos round ventilation window is helping indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic 6

ublos round ventilation window is helping indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic 4

ublos round ventilation window is helping indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic 2

ublos round ventilation window is helping indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic 3

ublos round ventilation window is helping indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic 7

ublos round ventilation window is helping indoor spaces adjust to the obstacles of the pandemic 8

 

 

project info:

 

 

name: ublo window
designer: robert-jan van santen, naree kim, sohyun jin

 

 

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: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom