Strawscraper, energy from wind

Stockholm’s strawscraper will produce electricity from thousands of wind-agitated straws – skyscraper addition designed by Belatchew Arkitekter’s Labs studio applies piezoelectric technology via “hair-like material that harvests energy from the wind.”

From the architect’s website:

The straws of the facade consist of a composite material with piezoelectric properties that can turn motion into electrical energy. Piezoelectricity is created when certain crystals’ deformation is transformed into electricity. The technique has advantages when compared to traditional wind turbines since it is quite and does not disturb wildlife.  It functions at low wind velocity since only a light breeze is sufficient for the straws to start swaying and generate energy.

Thanks to Mohammed Othman for the tip on LinkedIn!