Facade & Fenestration Materials
Traditional glass offers poor insulation, but advanced glazing technologies such as low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, double or triple glazing, and argon-filled cavities considerably improve thermal efficiency, lowering winter heat loss and summer heat gain. Smart glass technologies boost energy savings by altering its glazing properties in response to environmental conditions. uPVC is well-known for its superior thermal and acoustic insulation capabilities and low cost, but its environmental impact is problematic. Sustainable options, such as recycled uPVC or biopolymer-based materials, provide comparable performance with a lower environmental impact. Aluminium and other metals prove good for creating dynamic shading devices for glass façades due to their durability, lightweight nature, and flexibility. They provide structural integrity for moving parts, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with automation systems, resulting in efficient and visually appealing shading solutions. Wood, a sustainable resource with good insulating capabilities and a warm appearance, requires constant maintenance to avoid degradation.
Sustainable wood solutions, such as certified lumber or engineered wood products, offer longevity while reducing the environmental effect. While plenty of sustainable material options are available in the market, it is also critical to make use of these elements while adhering to fundamental passive architectural principles.
Innovative fenestration designs with a combination of materials
Innovative fenestration designs, amalgamating diverse materials, stand as pivotal embodiments of both functionality and aesthetics in contemporary building projects. For instance, the integration of expansive glazing with wooden louvres not only augments daylight penetration but also effectively mitigates solar heat gain, thereby enhancing thermal comfort within interiors. Dynamic shading systems, employing motorised blinds or adjustable louvres, provide precise control over daylight levels & glare, facilitating superior occupant comfort while concurrently reducing dependency on mechanical cooling systems.
Biophilic design elements, such as green walls juxtaposed with expansive fenestration, not only foster a symbiotic connection with nature but also augment indoor air quality, promoting occupant well-being. Furthermore, the integration of smart glass technologies, such as electrochromic glazing, enables seamless adaptation of transparency in response to external lighting conditions, optimising both visual comfort and energy efficiency. These innovative fenestration strategies underscore the intricate interplay between materials and technologies, culminating in sustainable, high-performance architectural solutions that redefine contemporary building envelopes.
Choosing glass as a facade material
Firstly, the thermal performance of the glass is crucial. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, double or triple glazing, and argon-filled cavities significantly enhance insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Secondly, balancing the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible light transmittance (VLT) is essential. A low SHGC minimises unwanted heat gain, while sufficient VLT ensures natural daylighting and visual comfort. The building’s orientation also plays a critical role. In colder climates, South-facing façades can benefit from glass with higher solar heat gain to exploit passive solar heating, while north-facing façades should have lower SHGC to reduce heat loss. Additionally, choosing the right framing system is vital.
Thermally broken frames reduce thermal bridging, improving overall energy performance. Integrating shading devices like external louvres or internal blinds further enhances energy efficiency by reducing solar heat gain and glare. Conducting a life-cycle cost analysis evaluates the long-term economic implications, considering initial costs, energy savings, maintenance, and lifespan of the glass system. It is essential to note that it’s imperative to select glass with thermal characteristics suited to the specific climate. Triple glazing isn’t always the optimal solution; sometimes, the best choice isn’t the lowest or highest performance option but the most suitable for the climate. By considering these factors, glass can be effectively utilised as a sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective material in building façades, windows, and doors.
Facade & Fenestration installation technologies
One prominent advancement is the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and prefabrication techniques. BIM enables detailed digital modelling of the building envelope, facilitating precise coordination between various agencies and reducing errors during installation. Another unique advancement is the integration of bio-adaptive façades, incorporating materials that respond to environmental changes in real-time, such as thermos bimetal panels that bend with temperature fluctuations for natural ventilation and shading.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies enable virtual walkthroughs and precise planning, allowing teams to visualize final products and identify potential issues before construction begins. Prefabrication and modular construction ensure high quality and reduced on-site installation time, while robotic and automated systems enhance precision, reduce labour costs, and improve safety. Advanced anchoring systems, such as thermal breaks and seismic anchors, accommodate thermal movements and seismic forces, minimising thermal bridging and ensuring secure, durable installation. 3D-printed façades enable complex, bespoke designs optimised for thermal performance and sustainability, minimising waste and aligning with circular economy principles. These innovations are paving the way for smarter, more sustainable, and aesthetically versatile buildings.
Tools & methods for calculating energy efficiency of a building
Calculating the energy efficiency of a building during the design phase requires understanding active building physics, heat transfer, and practical considerations. Effective design begins with understanding heat flow through the building envelope, material and orientation impacts, and passive design strategies like natural ventilation and daylighting. This foundational knowledge ensures that energy-saving potential is maximised. Energy modelling software, such as Energy Plus, Design Builder, and IES VE, simulates building performance, offering insights into energy consumption, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality based on geometry, orientation, materials, and occupancy. Adhering to local energy codes and standards like ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) ensures compliance with energy efficiency benchmarks.
Whole building energy simulation evaluates the combined performance of the envelope, HVAC systems, lighting, and appliances, identifying optimisation opportunities. Daylighting analysis tools like Radiance or Diva for Rhino assess natural light penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) prioritises energy-efficient strategies with the best return on investment. Energy audits and benchmarking compare performance to similar buildings, setting targets for improvement. Leveraging these tools and methods, architects, engineers, and building energy consultants can optimise energy efficiency during the design phase, reducing consumption, operating costs, and environmental impact.
Operating energy efficient facade and fenestration systems – Future of automation technologies in installing
Automation technologies are poised to revolutionise both the installation process and ongoing operation of building envelopes in several key ways:
Integrated Control Systems: Automated control systems, including Building Management Systems (BMS) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, seamlessly integrate with façade and fenestration systems to monitor and adjust environmental conditions in real-time. These systems optimise natural ventilation, daylighting, and shading, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Adaptive Shading and Glazing: Smart fenestration technologies, such as electrochromic glass and dynamic shading systems, autonomously adjust transparency, tint, or shading levels based on environmental conditions and occupant preferences. This dynamic control optimises daylighting, solar heat gain, and glare reduction, improving energy performance and visual comfort.
Predictive Analytics: Advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms enable predictive maintenance and performance optimisation of façade and fenestration systems. By analysing historical data and environmental patterns, these technologies anticipate potential issues, optimise system settings, and identify opportunities for energy savings.
By embracing these innovations, buildings can achieve higher levels of energy performance, sustainability, and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
