The HEX Curtain by Rael San Fratello Makes a Kinetic Light Show Out of Your Window

The unique<a href="http://vimeo.com/30460602"> HEX Curtain</a> is an innovative way to control the light and heat inside a building with an attractive covering which automatically responds to the exterior natural light and alters its shade appropriately. Designed by the always inventive architect <a href="http://www.rael-sanfratello.com/">Ronald Rael </a> the curtain's kinetic approach not only adds light and heat to the room, but also brings dynamic design.

The banks of shades are composed of individual petals, each pivoting from the bottom of a hexagonal grid and attached to the adjacent one with a threaded connection.

Each horizontal row has its own actuator motor which, with the help of a photo sensor and programmable micro controller, opens up and rises with the sun. The effect is a room that<a href="http://inhabitat.com/led-virtual-sky-promises-to-make-office-spaces-more-pleasant/"> responds to the sky</a>, keeping occupants comfortable while reducing energy.

Like louver blinds the HEX Curtain can control the amount of daylight in the space, but it can also allow light only in a section of the window.

This allows for privacy if need be but plenty of light from above, or intimacy with light from below, cast across the floor.

Glare is reduced, and in the summer the curtain reduces heat and opens up automatically in the evening.

The curtains are made from nylon sheets laser cut from a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/dirk-vander-kooijs-repurposed-robot-prints-endless-furniture-from-recycled-e-waste/">3-D printer</a>.