KlimaKover pavilion demonstrates "low-energy cooling" for outdoor heat relief

Architecture studio Henning Larsen and the University of Pennsylvania have installed a modular pavilion on Governors Island in New York that radiates cool air for an AC alternative in public spaces.

Located a 10-minute walk from Governor's Island's ferry terminal, The KlimaKover pavilion is composed of several silver-clad, cooling panels that support an expansive roof made of wooden units covered in fabric shading.

Henning Larsen, the Thermal Architecture Lab at the University of Pennsylvania and AIL Research created the pavilion in light of rising global heatwaves, which can prove dangerous to the public if left exposed.

Powered by a rooftop solar panel, the pavilion employs radiant cooling to provide relief from heat exposure and uses "70 per cent less energy than traditional AC" according to its team.

Placed atop a concrete foundation, its four cooling panels intersect at the centre of the pavilion, where transparent silver membranes contain "microtubes" laced with chilled water.

The technology, called membrane-assisted radiant cooling draws heat from people's bodies to cool them within 5 to 7 minutes, with the effect fully "pronounced" after 20 minutes, according to the team.

"While radiant cooling is not as well-known as radiant heating, it relies on a similar concept," said the University of Pennsylvania.

"The goal is to create zones where people feel cool as the panels draw heat away from their bodies. Because it doesn't require dehumidification, it doesn't cause condensation and uses 70 per cent less energy than traditional AC."

Several other "passive" panels are covered in a reflective material, which bounces heat away from the exterior and cool air towards the interior of the pavilion.

The pavilion's roof is made of 4 foot by 4 foot (1.2 metres by 1.2 metres) wooden cubes, each covered in a swath of fabric for further shading.

The structure is primarily made of an upcycled silky cedar wood product called Carbon Smart Wood, which was selected for its ease of disassembly, according to the team.

Ultimately, the entire system was designed to be modular and cost-effective, so that it can be scaled up to create different arrangements for placement over public areas such as schoolyards, bus stops, markets and construction sites.

"KlimaKover will allow visitors arriving from New York City and the world to experience outdoor cooling," said Thermal Architecture Lab director Dorit Aviv. "This is an important demonstration, paving the way for the widescale adoption of low-energy cooling."

Henning Larsen recently completed a giant circular structure made of glulam and CLT for Volvo, while Foster + Partners completed a hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.

The photography is by Chris Perez

Project credits:
Funding: Ramboll Foundation
Research and development: University of Pennsylvania, Weitzman School of Design.
Design architect and sustainability consultant: Henning Larsen
Radiant cooling system development: AIL Research
Structural design: Fast+Epp
Construction: SKANSKA, SITU
Site partner: Trust for Governors Island
Wood manufacturer: Cambium
Shade manufacturer: Mecho, Springs Window Fashions
Solar panels: Ontility
Permitting: KM Associates of New York, Inc.
Special inspection: Tectonic Engineering

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