On May 30th 2025 SusAir achieved a significant milestone in its R&D journey with the unveiling of its first full-scale physical prototype: a climate-adaptive terminal module developed entirely in-house by its Materials and Envelopes Group in Astana.

This 1:1 modular segment serves as both a proof of concept and a live testing structure for ongoing experiments in energy efficiency airflow thermal regulation and material behavior under extreme conditions. The prototype reflects SusAir’s move from digital modeling into physical validation, a critical step in bridging theory and execution in airport infrastructure design.

Designed to Learn From Its Environment

The structure integrates a responsive envelope system featuring variable-opacity glazing phase-change insulation and kinetic ventilation panels that open or close based on temperature light and wind readings. Embedded sensors throughout the envelope continuously feed real-time data into SusAir’s Thermal Intelligence Platform which analyzes how the module reacts to microclimatic shifts.

Dr. Aigerim Mukhamedzhanova Head of Materials and Envelopes Group noted:

“This prototype is not static, it breathes reacts and learns. It’s our lab in physical form designed to test how buildings can think with their environment.”

The prototype will remain active on a dedicated testing site outside of Astana where it will undergo three full seasonal cycles. Performance data will guide adjustments in future material selection assembly configuration and long-term cost-efficiency strategies.

Bridging Research and Implementation

This physical deployment is the result of a two-year cross-group effort uniting expertise from SusAir’s environmental modeling structural logic and fabrication teams. According to Ms. Pham Ngoc Anh Thi Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Susdev Group

“Innovation is not only about ideas, it is about friction. Between paper and material between logic and weather between promise and proof. This prototype allows us to close that gap.”

SusAir has also developed a public viewing interface for this project accessible via its Insights platform. Users can track real-time environmental data compare projected and actual performance and view interior camera feeds from within the prototype.

The Beginning of Scalable Vision

The modular prototype is intentionally designed for scalability. SusAir plans to explore how multiple segments can connect into adaptive concourses maintenance pods or remote terminal wings in areas with fluctuating environmental demands.

Later this year the team will begin phase two development, introducing passenger simulation elements and incorporating modular robotics for internal functions such as automated wayfinding and climate-responsive lighting.

With this unveiling SusAir continues to push forward a new narrative for aviation infrastructure, one rooted not in permanence but in intelligent responsiveness.