Hygroscopic Coffer

As biomimicry suggests, it is possible to take advantage of the embedded hygroscopic behavior of wood in order to create a hygromorphic composite material that passively reacts to relative humidity variations of the environment. These composites are realized with a cross-grained double-layered structure, joining a thicker veneer (active layer) and a thinner one (passive layer), in order to reproduce the principles that make pine cones scales bending after exposure to humidity variations. The double-layered panels, called “unplywood”, can be digitally parametrized and used as a false ceiling for the passive dehumidification of an indoor environment, using only the convective motion of the humid air and the stack effect. This is particularly useful when the relative humidity excessively increases, exceeding the comfort levels. The result is a passive dehumidification system where the timber panels act as sensors and as decorative architectural elements at the same time and contribute to improving the indoor environment from a hygrometric point of view as well as from a perceptive one.