Recycled paper could cool buildings without electricity, say researchers

2021-07-05T10:42:00-04:00

A team of researchers at Northeastern University has created a sustainable material that can cool buildings without the need for conventional AC systems. Led by associate professor Yi Zheng from the university’s College of Engineering, the team has developed a “cooling paper” made from 100% recyclable paper, intended to cover the roofs of houses, warehouses, and office buildings, as well as being incorporated into the construction of new buildings.

The “cooling paper” reduces heat gain in two ways. The paper’s light color reflects warm solar rays away from a building, similar to Purdue University’s ultra-white paint that we reported on earlier this year. Meanwhile, the porous microstructure of the natural fibers in the cooling paper absorbs warmth generated inside the building, from electronic, cooking, and human body sources, and re-emits the warmth to the exterior.

Previously on Archinect: Researchers create ultra-white paint that could cool buildings

The experiment began wit...

China builds its dream island; Qatar controversies continue; the internet slows down: Weekly News Round-Up for September 7, 2014

2014-09-15T20:01:00-04:00

Friday, September 12:

Vincent Scully Prize 2014 awarded to journalist and TV host Charlie Rose: The prize was established by the National Building Museum in 1999, and is named after the famed Yale art history and architecture professor who helped establish Louis Kahn and Robert Venturi. Rose was distinguished by his interviews of leaders in urban design and development.

Thursday, September 11:

Toronto set to unveil first museum of Islamic culture in North America: The museum is backed by Aga Khan, a "lesser-known royal" and spiritual leader of an estimated 15 million Ismaili Muslims, approximately 100,000 of which now live in Canada. The museum is designed by Pritzker winner Fumihiko Maki, and opens September 18.

Wednesday, September 10:

The long-lost design bible of the New York subway is (briefly) back in print: In 1967, the New York City Transit Authority asked designers Massimo Vignelli and Bob Noorda to create a solution to the subway system's inconsistent and confusing identity. Th...

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Recycled paper could cool buildings without electricity, say researchers

China builds its dream island; Qatar controversies continue; the internet slows down: Weekly News Round-Up for September 7, 2014