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Skyscrape makes temperature-responsive insulation
Key people at Skyscrape.
Skyscrape was founded in 2017 by Brent Ridley (Founder).
Skyscrape makes temperature responsive fabrics for a new type of clothing. These fabrics literally change shape in response to a change in temperature: the fabrics become thicker and insulate more as the temperature drops, and they become thinner and insulate less as the temperature rises again. This "intelligent insulation" has no wires or sensors, and the fabric's shape-changing behavior comes from a natural materials response.
Skyscrape’s fabrics offer expanded thermal comfort across a wider temperature range than conventional clothing. Creating textiles that could change shape with changing temperatures required years of laboratory work by an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, designers, and weavers, designing and refining machines and processes to make yarns and fabrics that could adapt to the environment.
Skyscrape's first market entry was with Ralph Lauren in the 2022 Team USA Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Skyscrape is a Portland-based startup that develops temperature-responsive insulation fabrics designed to adapt dynamically to environmental temperature changes. Their innovative textiles physically change shape—becoming thicker and more insulating as temperatures drop, and thinner with less insulation as temperatures rise—without the need for wires, sensors, or batteries. This "intelligent insulation" fabric targets apparel brands and consumers seeking versatile, sustainable clothing that provides expanded thermal comfort across a wide temperature range, reducing the need for multiple garments. Skyscrape’s technology has gained notable traction, including a high-profile collaboration with Ralph Lauren for the Team USA Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2022[1][3][8].
Founded in 2017 by Brent Ridley, Skyscrape emerged from years of interdisciplinary research involving scientists, engineers, designers, and weavers. The idea originated from a vision to create clothing that could autonomously respond to its environment, aiming to improve personal thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption in buildings. Early development involved handcrafting the first yarns and fabrics that could physically adapt to temperature changes. Support from the U.S. Department of Energy and Y Combinator helped transition the invention from lab to market. The company continues to partner with leading apparel brands to scale production and bring this novel fabric technology to consumers[1][3][4].
Skyscrape rides the growing trend toward smart, sustainable textiles that enhance user comfort while addressing environmental concerns. As consumers demand multifunctional, eco-friendly apparel, temperature-responsive fabrics offer a disruptive alternative to traditional insulation methods. The timing aligns with increasing awareness of energy efficiency and climate impact, positioning Skyscrape to influence both fashion and energy consumption patterns. Their innovation exemplifies how material science can integrate with sustainability goals, potentially reshaping apparel design and manufacturing ecosystems[3][8].
Looking ahead, Skyscrape is poised to expand partnerships with major apparel brands and scale manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand for adaptive, sustainable clothing. Trends such as climate-conscious consumerism and advances in smart textiles will likely accelerate their adoption. As the company matures, it may also explore applications beyond apparel, such as in home insulation or outdoor gear. Skyscrape’s technology could redefine thermal comfort standards, reducing reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling, thereby amplifying its environmental impact and market influence. Their journey from a laboratory curiosity to a commercial innovator underscores the transformative potential of intelligent materials in the textile industry[1][3][8].
Key people at Skyscrape.
Skyscrape was founded in 2017 by Brent Ridley (Founder).