OXALIS FLORA FACADE

Inspired by the Oxalis Triangularis, a natural plant known for its responsive behavior to climate and daylight, the design translates natural phototropic movement into an adaptive sustainable daylighting strategy for hot-arid climates of the southwestern United States. The design explores how a building envelope can behave like a living organism, where it opens, closes, and recalibrate in response to shifting solar intensity, temperature, and interior comfort needs. The system prioritizes the interior environment to ensure the space remains comfortable and energy-efficient. The system operates through a dual-axis mechanism. Vertical diamond panels rotate collectively to regulate direct sun and glare, while horizontal panels adjust independently to optimize photovoltaic performance and daylight control. Both axes are driven by servo motors and guided by real-time daylight and temperature sensors. When excessive heat or direct sun is detected, the facade closes. If overcast conditions is detected, it opens to maximize soft daylight and energy harvesting. This continuous feedback loop allows the envelope to behave as a dynamic, climate-responsive skin rather than a static surface.