Smart architecture without electricity. The SOMBRA pavilion
Imagine a house that regulates its own lighting and temperature, reacting to the sun's movement—and all without a single motor or wire.
Sound like science fiction? The Dutch architectural studio MVRDV has proven that this is already a reality, creating the innovative SOMBRA pavilion in Venice.
What is SOMBRA
SOMBRA is an experimental pavilion whose name combines the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "umbra" (shadow). Located in the Giardini Marinaressa gardens as part of the Time Space Existence exhibition, it demonstrates a revolutionary technology of kinetic building elements that operate exclusively on passive physical principles.
Key feature: the pavilion functions without electronics or motors, using only the laws of physics to create a dynamic shading system.
How it works: ingenious simplicity
The secret of SOMBRA lies in a well-thought-out engineering system:
The pavilion's six metal ribs are directed towards the sun, with the upper and lower arches corresponding to the sun's angle during the summer and winter solstices. The arched ribs conceal a series of small air cylinders. When part of the structure is heated by the sun, the pressure inside the cylinder increases, and the air is forced into a small air cushion that connects the structure and the panel.
It works like a living organism: using a mechanism inspired by the principles of soft robotics, when the air cushion inflates, it contracts like a muscle, counteracting a spring in the hinge and closing the panel.
What this means for private construction
A new level of energy efficiency
The pavilion provides an architectural experiment with dynamically controlled light, heat, and ventilation with zero operational carbon emissions. For private homeowners, this means:
- Complete independence from electricity for the shading system
- Automatic climate control without additional energy costs
- Reduced air conditioning and heating expenses
Adaptive architecture
As MVRDV partner Bertrand Schippan notes: "With the accelerating climate crisis, it is clear that we need a new architecture that is more in tune with its environment. SOMBRA is a demonstration of one approach to this philosophy: an architecture that senses its environment and responds to it in the same way that plants do."
Possibilities for private homes
The principles of SOMBRA can be adapted for:
- Terraces and verandas — automatic awnings without electricity
- Large windows — self-regulating blinds
- Winter gardens — a smart ventilation system
- Gazebos and patios — adaptive coverings
Symbolism and philosophy
The pavilion's circular floor plate is engraved with a polar diagram of the sun's path, on which the pavilion's geometry is based. On the underside of the arches, the words "sun and shadow" are written in more than 200 languages—not only as a reference to the pavilion's name but also as a reminder that our relationship with the sun is a universal human experience.
A look into the future
SOMBRA is not just an experimental pavilion. It is a prototype of the architecture of the future, where buildings live in harmony with natural cycles. As MVRDV founder Winy Maas explains: "We use our knowledge of the sun. We work a lot with shadow and light, creating and exploring complex solar programs."
For private homeowners, this means the opportunity to create a truly smart home—not through complex electronics, but through a deep understanding of natural processes and the clever use of physical laws.
SOMBRA demonstrates that the most innovative solutions are often based on simple principles. Perhaps the future of energy-efficient construction lies not in complicating technology, but in a more subtle understanding of how our homes can cooperate with nature.
