Advancements in smart building envelopes: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The building envelope refers to the fundamental components on the exterior of a building responsible for environmental isolation and load-bearing. It serves functions such as thermal insulation, wind protection, waterproofing, and structural support. A smart building envelope retains these traditional functions while also autonomously adjusting to environmental changes, thereby achieving a comfortable indoor environment and efficient energy utilization. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of new materials and intelligent control technology, research related to smart building envelopes has been on the rise. Various types of smart building envelopes are gradually finding application in engineering practice. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the current status and progress in this field, covering three main aspects: definition and characteristics, composition and types, optimization, and application of smart building envelopes. By analyzing the latest research developments, discussing typical application cases, and examining key technical challenges and research trends, it aims to provide a reference and foundation for researchers and practitioners interested in smart building envelopes.