What it does
EcoFlex is a foldable, two-layered window insulation that fits inside window recesses and enhances thermal performance without blocking daylight. Its flexible design adapts to various window sizes, reduces heat transfer, and can be easily installed or removed.
Your inspiration
My home has single-glazed windows that make winter extremely uncomfortable, as heat escapes easily. Heating devices become ineffective, and this is a common issue in many homes, especially in cold climates. Since operational energy use contributes significantly to carbon emissions, I wanted to design a simple, affordable, and adaptable insulation solution to help reduce energy consumption in buildings.
How it works
The structure is built from small plastic bars that clip together mechanically. It is covered in a transparent plastic wrap, attached only at key points to maintain flexibility for folding. The design expands up to 25 times its folded area to fit various window sizes. Magnets fixed to the top edge connect to magnets on the window recess using double-sided tape, allowing easy installation and removal. The air gap between the two layers acts as thermal insulation, minimizing heat loss.
Design process
I began by setting clear goals: size adaptability, transparency, ease of installation, no electrical parts, and use of sustainable materials. I created a foldable structure by dividing it into rotating, interlocking segments. While I aimed for a sustainable wrap material, none matched the needs for flexibility and transparency, so I used transparent plastic wrap. I modeled the design digitally to explore proportions, folding behavior, and practicality.
How it is different
Most temporary window insulations are fixed in size, require cutting, and often become waste. Others are opaque, reducing daylight—something not ideal in winter. EcoFlex adapts to different window sizes, remains transparent, and offering practical and aesthetic advantages over existing options.
Future plans
Key improvements include developing a better folding mechanism for the wrap and exploring more sustainable transparent materials. Building a physical prototype will allow testing the structure’s performance and refining the design. Evaluating its thermal insulation capabilities will also help validate its effectiveness.
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