A Breathing Smart Façade. The New FlectoLine Technology

Nature Suggests Solutions for Your Home

The University of Stuttgart has introduced the revolutionary façade system FlectoLine, which adapts to its surroundings like a living organism. The first installation is already operating at the University of Freiburg’s Botanical Garden, and this technology opens up exciting possibilities for homeowners who want to make their houses more energy-efficient and comfortable.

How Does It Work?

Imagine a façade that automatically regulates the amount of sunlight entering your home. FlectoLine is based on principles borrowed from nature—it mimics the movements of the aquatic plant Aldrovanda vesiculosa and the folding of insect wings.

The panels bend without hinges or joints, thanks to built-in air chambers. When air fills the cushion-like actuators, the modules gently curve in the desired direction. Releasing the air returns them to their original shape. The movement is completely silent and requires no complex mechanical systems.

What Does It Mean for Homeowners?

• Automatic Sun Protection. The system detects when shading is needed. In summer, it helps keep the house cool without air conditioning, and in winter, it maximizes solar heat gain.
• Energy Independence. The panels are equipped with thin-film solar cells that power the entire system. You won’t have to pay for the electricity that keeps your smart façade running.
• Durability. The panels are made of composite materials protected against weather, fire, and wind. Tests have shown that the system can last at least 15 years outdoors.
• Smart Control. A digital twin—a virtual model of the façade—collects data from light, temperature, and wind sensors, automatically adjusting the panel positions for optimal indoor comfort.

Technical Capabilities

Each panel can rotate up to 90 degrees using only 0.4 bar of pressure. This means minimal energy consumption and virtually no maintenance. A system of 101 modules covers an area of 83.5 square meters—enough for the façade of an average private house.

Is It Right for Your Home?

FlectoLine is suitable for both new buildings and renovations. The system can be adapted to different architectural styles and building sizes. It is especially beneficial for homes with large glazed areas or those located on sunny plots.

A Look into the Future

Although the technology is still in its early stages, it already demonstrates what the home of the future can be—adaptive, energy-efficient, and comfortable, with minimal effort from the owner. FlectoLine shows how modern materials and natural principles can work together to create next-generation living spaces.

For homeowners planning to modernize their façade or build a new house, this technology offers a chance not only to follow the trends of sustainable architecture but also to significantly improve comfort while reducing operating costs.