Modern building techniques increasingly rely on passive elements to improve heating and cooling efficiency, from positioning windows in ways to absorb or shade sunlight, to using high R-value insulation to completely seal the living space and prevent air flow in or out of the structure.

However, a disadvantage of closing off the room in this way is the new problem of ventilating the room to provide the residents with fresh air. This 3D printed ventilation system seems to improve things. The combination of shutters and fans, known as the AutoDuct, is designed to help ventilate apartments with decentralized systems. It can automatically control airflow and also reduces external noise passing through the system using a printed shutter mechanism that is also designed to keep cold air out on windy days.

A control system enables functions such as scheduling and automatic humidity control. A mobile app is available for more direct control if needed. The system itself can also be integrated into various home automation systems such as Apple's HomeKit.

A 100% passive house that is also as energy efficient as possible may be an unattainable ideal, but the closer we get, the better. Some other projects we've seen lately to help climate control systems include this heat pump control system and this automatic HVAC duct booster fan system.