HelioCone

What it does

HelioCone is a passive daylighting system that captures and redirects sunlight into interior areas with little or no exposure. It uses internal reflection between angled surfaces to guide light—reducing energy use without electricity, motors, or moving parts.

Your inspiration

The inspiration for this project came from a real observation at our university. Many classrooms and libraries suffer from poor natural lighting, especially in deeper areas where sunlight doesn't reach, causing constant reliance on artificial light. We saw this as an unnecessary energy cost, especially after noticing a striking effect in the library: a white advertisement board outside reflected sunlight in a way that evenly distributed light across the room, reaching even the farthest tables. This insight revealed a real problem and sparked the idea for a passive, efficient, and sustainable lighting solution. That’s how HelioCone was born.

How it works

HelioCone is a passive system for capturing and channeling natural light, engineered to maximize solar illumination in homes and buildings. The device consists of five concentric cones which, through carefully calculated angles, form a hemispherical structure mounted on the external façade, near windows. Using the principle of internal reflection, the cones redirect incoming sunlight, bouncing it repeatedly until it converges at a single focal point — the common optical focus of all cones. At this point, an optical fiber is attached, which transports the captured light to interior areas that typically lack direct sunlight, such as hallways, deep rooms, or basements. Each cone is designed to operate over a specific range of solar incidence angles, allowing the system to function across a wide spectrum of light directions. This geometry ensures that both direct and diffuse sunlight are effectively collected, even on facades with limited exposure.

Design process

Once we had the initial concept, developing the design was a challenging and non-linear process. We started by exploring different creative methods, including free ideation and brainstorming, but the final idea emerged when we focused on physical principles, as working with light naturally requires an understanding of how it behaves and interacts with materials. This approach quickly became the most logical path. We also applied a Technology Pull strategy, analyzing existing solutions in the market and identifying how we could reinterpret or improve them. Key references for us included Norman Foster, whose work emphasizes clean lines and functional elegance, and Artemide, in her spherical and curved surfaces. Optimization was another crucial phase. We once again relied on physical principles, not just to work with light, but to improve practical aspects of the design, such as dimensions, joints, materials, and assembly. We realized that even a small idea could be brought to life with the right adjustments and technical clarity. In short, our design evolved through a combination of creativity, technical analysis, and strong references, allowing us to turn an initial inspiration into a functional and coherent solution.

How it is different

In a saturated market where lighting solutions often prioritize aesthetics over function—or vice versa, our project strikes a rare balance between innovative design, functional efficiency, and environmental responsibility. What truly sets our product apart is its grounding in physical principles: we don’t just design for looks—we design for light. Every curve, angle, and surface is engineered to enhance how light is captured, guided, and perceived. This scientific approach gives our lamp a level of performance and subtlety rarely found in typical designs. We’ve also prioritized sustainability and smart construction from the start, using optimized materials to reduce waste and extend product life. This makes our solution not just desirable, but responsible—a real alternative for conscious consumers. Simply put, this is not just another lamp. It’s an intersection of art, physics, and purpose—created to outshine the ordinary and redefine how light lives in space.

Future plans

Our next steps focus on refining the optical geometry through physical prototyping and light measurement tests. We aim to optimize materials for durability and light efficiency, while developing scalable manufacturing methods. On the business side, we plan to explore partnerships with sustainable housing initiatives and seek funding for a pilot program. Ultimately, we aim to bring HelioCone to market as an affordable, passive lighting solution that reduces energy use and enhances comfort in underlit spaces worldwide.

Awards