Phase Change Material Tiles: aesthetic and performative ceramic tiles

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BACKGROUND This is an installation of custom made ceramic tiles filled with Phase Change Material (PCM). It is a representation of research project outputs which test the enhanced thermal properties of PCM when combined with the tiles which act as a building skin. It contributes to design and built environment discourses on performative building skins and surfaces. CONTRIBUTION The PCM Tiles are combination of the research areas of architecture PHD student Mernoush Latifi, Industrial Design academic Dr Judith Glover and multi-media artist Stephen Barras. Latifi's research investigates using parametric modelling to design, manipulate and create the skin surfaces for built environment applications. Glover's background in Industrial Design and ceramics looks at how these designs can be developed into modular product systems utilising both traditional and contemporary manufacturing processes. Barras previous works investigate the thermal properties of PCM's. This iteration is a system of parametric performance-based ceramic tiles designed as a building skin to improve the thermal performance by injecting them with PCM. The process combines traditional slip cast ceramic moulding processes with parametric modelling and CNC machining technologies. The skin would be applied to a conventional building structure in the same way as existing tiling but the 3-dimensional form of the tile allows for greatly increased thermal advantages. SIGNIFICANCE This creative works outcome was exhibited at Craft ACT from 21 July - 27 August 2016 in the Embracing Innovation Volume 6 exhibition. https://craftact.org.au/blogs/past-exhibitions/embracing-innovation-volume-6 Craft ACT is on the ERA's List of Approved Venues for Creative Works