Objective
In the search for sustainable architectural solutions, integrating smart technologies into building facades has encountered challenges such as high costs, reliability issues, dependence on rare-earth metals and external energy sources, as well as safety and regulatory constraints. As a promising alternative, passive shading systems based on soft robotics and active materials - free from electronics and software - have gained traction. However, these systems lack programmability and adaptability to user needs. This project aims to enhance the intelligence of thermo-pneumatic passive shading systems, which operate by generating pressure by heating up an air chamber through the power of the sun. The key innovation lies in leveraging electronics-free soft robotics and pneumatic circuit technology previously developed to replicate the functionality of electronics-based smart systems. Beginning with a techno-economic and user-needs analysis, the project will integrate soft pneumatic circuits and actuators into patented passive shading technology. An existing full-scale facade prototype will be upgraded and used for long-term real-world testing, at public locations to increase visibility and engagement. By bridging the gap between automation and sustainability, this breakthrough has the potential to redefine smart architecture. The energy-independent, secure, and scalable nature of this technology not only advances shading solutions but also lays the foundation for a new paradigm in sustainable smart building systems.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.