Translucent Aluminum Foam: The Material of the Future Redefining Architecture and Design

1. Translucent aluminum foam: when metal meets light
Translucent aluminum foam is the result of five years of technical research by the North Sea Composites R&D team. Through a patented gas foaming process, a uniform micron-sized pore structure (pore size 50-300μm) is formed in the aluminum matrix, which gives the material unique light transmission and diffuse reflection characteristics. Unlike traditional metals, this material can achieve a visible light transmission rate of 10-60% while maintaining the inherent strength and durability of aluminum.

In the latest renovation of Dubai's Museum of the Future, translucent foam aluminum was used to create a dynamic façade system. During the day, natural light passes through the material to create soft interior illumination; at night, a built-in LED light source activates the material's porous structure to create a futuristic luminous skin effect. This “breathing building skin” is 40% more energy-efficient than traditional glass curtain walls, while providing better thermal insulation.

2. Technological breakthrough: perfect balance between performance and aesthetics
Optical performance customization
Beihai Composites has developed a pore gradient control technology that allows precise regulation of porosity (20%-80%) in different areas, realizing a gradual transition from frosted glass effect to metallic grid vision. Together with the anodic oxidation coloring process, the material can be presented in a variety of shades, such as silver white, champagne gold, and deep sky gray, to meet the needs of different design languages.
Physical Properties
Lightweight: the density is only 1.2-1.8g/cm³, which is 1/7 of steel, significantly reducing the building load.
Excellent strength: compressive strength of 15-50MPa, can withstand wind pressure of 12-stage typhoon
Thermal management: thermal conductivity 0.8-1.5W/(m-K), 60% lower than ordinary glass
Acoustic optimization: NRC sound absorption coefficient of 0.65, effectively improving the sound environment of the building.

3. Pioneering application scenarios
Dynamic building facade
A luxury flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo, uses semi-transparent aluminum foam to create a deformable façade, which controls the opening and closing rate of the pores through a built-in air pressure device, adjusting the light transmittance and heat insulation in real time and realizing the building's intelligent response to the climate.
Interior Space Separation
Tate Modern's newest gallery in London uses the material to create a movable exhibition wall that maintains visual connectivity and creates an immersive art experience by adjusting the light. Tests have shown that this solution is 50% lighter and three times more efficient to install than traditional glass partitions.
Art Installation and Furniture
At Milan Design Week, renowned designers used translucent foam aluminum to create the “Sculpture of Light” series, which creates a new dimension of interactive installations by generating controlled changes in light transmittance when an electric current is passed through the material.

4. Sustainability Leadership
North Sea Composites' translucent aluminum foam production line is made from 100% recycled aluminum, reducing carbon emissions during production by 35% compared to traditional aluminum processing. The material is fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle and produces no construction waste. In the LEED certification program, the use of this material can obtain additional points in the categories of “innovative design” and “materials and resources”.

Beihai Composites: Empowering Building Innovation
As a global leader in metal foam technology, we offer a full range of translucent foam aluminum solutions from standard panels (1200 x 2400mm) to complex curved surfaces, and support the design of integration with systems such as photovoltaics, LEDs, and sensors.