Biomimetic Facades: Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Buildings through the Luban Capsule Approach

Abstract

The effective use of sustainable renewable energy sources is emphasized heavily in the vision for Oman’s energy industry in 2040 as a crucial tactic in reaching the objective of net-zero buildings. This calls for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially by improving the efficiency of building facades in metropolitan settings. Biomimicry is a potentially effective approach that utilizes natural phenomena as a source of inspiration to develop novel techniques that mimic diverse creatures, their behaviors, and ecosystems. The goal of this article is to investigate the use of biomimicry in building facades, with an emphasis on improving facade thermal performance in order to reduce energy consumption. It explores the development and application of the Luban capsule, an adaptive biomimetic element, as a workable way to improve buildings’ energy efficiency, especially in warm areas. The study emphasizes two key points: a theoretical review of biomimicry methodologies and a critical evaluation of specific case studies that are well-known for their application of adaptive facades designed to mitigate solar heat gain. The Luban capsule, which has Omani roots, was transformed into a biomimetic element by reinterpreting the five leaves, ten stamens, and five calyxes of the Luban flower to create capsule elements with matching number configurations (5, 10, 5). The Luban capsule was then applied to the service buildings on the campus of the Oman College of Management & Technology (OCMT), adjusting their facades in response to the sun’s position along two axes: behavioral aspects (which mimic the Luban flower’s opening and closing mechanism) and organic form (which incorporates the Luban flower’s natural shape) across facades with various elements, orientations, and functionalities. The study concludes with a framework that aims to minimize the need for artificial lighting, lessen dependency on air conditioning, and mitigate glare in diffused light. These projects play a crucial role in implementing sustainable building practices that are in line with Oman’s long-term energy sector vision by reducing building energy consumption and carbon emissions.