A systematic workflow for retrofitting office façades with large window-to-wall ratios based on automatic control and building simulations

Abstract

Fully glazed façades are still preferred by many architects due to their aesthetic features. Although this choice offers opportunities for daylighting and view contact with the outside, it can lead to overheating and glare problems if climate is not taken into account in the design. This paper presents a workflow for retrofitting that can be applied to different office façades with large window-to-wall ratios. The workflow consists of analysing the space from the point of view of the functions of its façade and then applying a retrofitting strategy based on state-of-the-art building simulations and automated shading control. The proposed workflow is illustrated by a case study at an office in Malaga (Spain), in which the originally installed, manually-controlled interior vertical blinds are replaced with automatically controlled interior roller blinds with a metallized reflecting surface facing towards the glazing unit. A full optical characterization of the roller blinds is presented. A simulation-based control strategy is applied to the motorized roller blinds in order to maximize view contact with the outside and daylighting while controlling glare and overheating.