Releasing heat to avoid overheating

The Fennec fox – Vulpes zerda – avoids overheating in the North African desert through use of pale, reflective fur and large, vascularized ears. The fox has a very unique solution for thermoregulation by increasing circulation to its ‘chimney-like’ ears, that are threaded with blood vessels, helps it facilitate heat loss. This allows excess heat in the bloodstream to be dissipated. This simple and elegant structural solution takes advantage of basic principles of heat transfer which might inspire innovation in building envelope design.

Link to case

BACK TO MAIN