The façade is one of the most integral elements to the overall building design, as it adds a unique personality and character to the buildings. A building façade can be of several shapes and sizes. It provides Architects a chance to experiment showcase their talent and bring their creations to reality.
TRENDY FAÇADE AND FENESTRATION MATERIALS
The two main materials for residential windows that are being used nowadays are aluminium and uPVC. Aluminium is the most common material used in commercial buildings across India, but for residential buildings, options include wood, steel, uPVC and Aluminium. Wood has long been a preferred option for residential, but is lower in demand nowadays due to its high cost and difficulty in finding good carpenters. Steel has been popular because of its low cost, but again lower in demand, due to its quality and maintenance problems. Copper, zinc and other alternative materials are rarely used and are very costly.
Aluminium has long been used in India for high-rise buildings than uPVC windows. The modern aluminium windows are known as ‘System Windows’ which are tested for safety in extreme weather conditions and are more popular due to their strength to face high winds, durability to ease of usage, design freedom, weather resistance, acoustics, colour choices, maintenance, recycling ability and cost. Hence The market preference is quickly shifting in favour of aluminium which is a ‘safe to use’ product in all weather conditions.
INNOVATIVE FENESTRATION DESIGNS
With the rapid changes in technology and access to international brands, fenestration trends include the use of large-span glass with slim line sections, reducing the gap between interiors and exteriors, use of performance glasses like DGU/TGU, various shading devices like chhiajjas, boxing, framings, fins, etc. Elements help to manage thermal conditions within a space without compromising on the quality of light. New age materials include super strong aluminium windows with Nanotechnology in the glass helps in managing solar heat gain effectively.
A great variety of glass and shading devices are available in the market. Daylight and energy simulation at design stages helps us to understand the effectiveness of the fenestration selection. It helps us understand the design modification requirements at earlier stages of the projects.
DESIGNING ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE FAÇADES, WINDOWS AND DOORS
Building orientation and shading devices play a significant role in the selection of the right glass for façades. Energy-efficient glass panels are coated with various metal oxides that reduce excessive absorption and transmission of solar heat and light ingress. it reduces a structure’s energy cost and carbon footprint. This type of glass improves thermal comfort and gives a feeling of openness to people working inside the building. There are numerous factors one should consider while selecting the right glass for the façade. The basic factors are climate, location and the orientation of the windows or fenestration. SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) and VLT (visual light transmittance) are the two parameters of glass that play a major role in achieving maximum daylight inside and reducing the heat gain in a building. permutation and combinations with design elements help to choose different types of glass with different parameters of a similar make and shade. This can be a cost-effective approach in design.
Technologies have changed today’s window and door sector, resulting in a slew of advancements, that have enhanced energy efficiency, security, aesthetics, and usefulness, some of the most fascinating contemporary innovations in doors and windows are as follows: energy efficiency, smart integration, sustainable materials, noise reduction, security options, aesthetic & design, fire protection, wellness and health.
TOOLS AND SOFTWARE TO CALCULATE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A BUILDING
One needs to measure the energy going into the system which is to be evaluated in watts or joules. Next, to measure the useful energy output of the system, as expressed in the same units of measurement. Then take the energy output and divide it by the energy input giving the energy efficiency of the project.
Tools and methods for energy efficiency
There are various tools and methods available for measuring and improving the energy efficiency of a building few of them are as follows.
- Energy audits: It is the first step to improving the energy efficiency of building design. An energy audit is a process of assessing the current energy performance of a building, system, or product and identifying areas for improvement. One can use various methods and tools to conduct an energy audit, such as thermography, blower door tests, plug load meters, and energy modelling software. An energy audit can help us to understand the energy consumption patterns, sources of waste, and potential savings of the projects.
- Energy rating systems: Another tool that can help to improve the energy efficiency of the project is to use an energy rating system. An energy rating system is a standard or certification that measures and compares the energy performance of buildings, systems, or products. Some examples of energy rating systems are LEED, IGBC, GRIHA BREEAM, ENERGY STAR, GEM and EDGE. Using an energy rating system can help us to set goals, benchmarks, and best practices for the projects, and demonstrate commitment to sustainability to clients and stakeholders.
- Energy management software: A third tool that can help to improve the energy efficiency of the project is to use an energy management software. An energy management software is a program that helps to monitor, analyse, and optimize the energy performance of your projects. One can use energy management software to collect and visualise the data, track and report the progress, identify and implement the measures, and evaluate and verify the results. Some examples of energy management software are eQUEST, Energy CAP, Eni scope and IES etc.
- Energy-saving devices: Energy-saving devices are products or technologies that help to reduce the energy consumption or demand of the projects. You can use energy-saving devices to improve the efficiency of lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, appliances, and electronics. Some examples of energy-saving devices are LED bulbs, smart thermostats, solar panels, and power strips.
- Energy feedback systems: A fifth tool that can help to improve the energy efficiency of the project is to use energy feedback systems. Energy feedback systems are devices or interfaces that provide information or feedback to users about their energy consumption or behaviour. One can use energy feedback systems to raise awareness, motivate action, and change habits. Some examples of energy feedback systems are smart meters, dashboards, and gamification.
- Energy education and training: A sixth tool that can help to improve the energy efficiency of the project is to use energy education and training. Energy education and training are activities or resources that help to learn and improve the knowledge and skills on energy efficiency. One can use energy education and training to stay updated, informed, and inspired. Some examples of energy education and training are courses, workshops, webinars, podcasts, blogs, etc.
FUTURE OF AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES
Building automation has rapidly become an essential feature in modern commercial and industrial facilities. As energy costs more and sustainability becomes a growing concern, the role of energy efficiency in our buildings is more significant than ever.
Automation systems can adjust shading devices, glazing opacity, and ventilation based on real-time data, such as temperature, humidity, and solar intensity. By intelligently managing these elements, smart façades optimise energy usage and improve comfort levels for occupants.
