Facade Systems Research Articles

Thermal Performance Analysis and Design Evolution of Ventilated Stone Facades: A Case Study of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) in Warsaw

The rationale for this work arose from the urgency of improving the energy efficiency of buildings at the design stage, given the changing requirements of energy efficiency standards such as the Polish Technical Conditions (WT 2014 and WT 2020). This research is novel as there is currently limited information available on the improvement of the thermal performance of ventilated stone facade systems, although they are now widely used due to their practical and aesthetic advantages. The first objective of this work is to evaluate the thermal performance of the ventilated facades of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) and to assess how certain design variations can help achieve a lower level of energy consumption. Using a comprehensive case study approach, this study provides accurate thermal calculations of the facade to assess its global thermal insulation coefficient (Rt) and thermal transmittance (Uc). The improvement in the actual U-value from the original design is as follows: the U-value is reduced from 0.33 originally to 0.228 for WT 2014 and to 0.198 for WT 2020, showing a reduction of about 30.9% and 13.2%, respectively. These results indicate the energy efficiency of increased insulation thickness and optimally oriented air gap dimensions. The practical contributions of this research are valuable for architects, engineers, and contractors involved in the design and construction process of buildings aiming to achieve near-zero energy buildings (nZEBs), including concrete suggestions on how to improve current construction practices as well as material recommendations. There is a need for durability studies, for example to assess the performance of such facades under different climatic conditions, as part of future work to support these findings.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF DOUBLE SKIN FACADES IN WINTER CLIMATES

The presented study reveals the analysis of the thermal behaviour of double skin facades (DSF) in winter conditions, using numerical simulation tools. The aim of the study is the development of a 3D simulation model, capable to evaluate the thermal behaviour of the modular elements in the DSF systems. This is essential requirement in the prediction and visualization of the facade’s thermal behaviour in the design stage and in the assessment of the real behaviour of such facade, when the specified modular elements are changed by the customer. The presented numerical simulation model aims to adequately reproduce the resulting set of thermal characteristics of the modular elements, to determine with sufficient accuracy their distribution in the real objects, implemented inthe models in DSF systems. An algorithm is developed in the study and graphical visualization of three models of double facade systems with and without DSF are analysed under winter conditions, using data from a meteorological station located in North-Eastern Bulgaria. A software product was used to represent the processes of heat and mass transfer, in which the corresponding boundary and initial conditions were set, based on which the results and analyses were obtained. The use of such numerical modelling is effective enough to predict the expected thermal behaviour of DSF systems. Thus, when selecting a DSF facade system, awareness of the thermal behaviour is ensured, and the financial efficiency of the project is more easily determined. Such a customized approach not only improves the sustainability and efficiency of buildings, but also satisfies the unique preferences and requirements of the customers.

Experimental Infrastructure Design for Energy-Independent Car Park Building Based on Parametric Photovoltaic Facade System

The purpose of this study is to develop a new architectural model that responds to environmental pollution. The subject of this study is infrastructure buildings related to automobiles, which cause environmental pollution. Parking facilities accommodate several vehicles, necessitating the design of large-scale parking infrastructure. In this study, the parametric design of an energy-independent building was developed targeting the facade of a large-scale parking facility. As basic research for the development of the parametric design, a parking building was planned toward the optimization of parking space. Based on this basic research, a kinetic photovoltaic facade was developed to achieve optimal renewable energy generation from the perspective of eco-friendly architectural design. Energy simulation using building information modeling (BIM) on the kinetic photovoltaic system developed in this study over a period of one year resulted in the generation of a total of 692,386 kWh·year−1. The novelty of this study is the development of a kinetic photovoltaic facade that is oriented according to the optimal tilt angle every month, focusing on the infrastructure. The significance of the kinetic photovoltaic system lies in the fact that it not only maximizes the efficiency of renewable energy generation but also presents a new architectural design model.

INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF CHOOSING THE TYPE OF FACADE SYSTEM USING ABC ANALYSIS ON THE COST OF THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE BUILDING OBJECT

The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of the influence of the choice of the type of facade systems on the total cost of the life cycle of the construction object, with a special emphasis on the application of ABC-analysis as a tool for determining the optimal option for arranging the facade, taking into account economic and quality aspects. The main purpose of the article is to justify the feasibility of using ABC analysis to select the type of facade systems and assess its impact on the costs associated with the life cycle of the building. The article provides a detailed analysis of various types of facade systems from the point of view of their fastening, materials, design and method implementation. Such systems as ventilated and non-ventilated facades, hinged ventilated facade systems, facades with cladding made of natural stone, composite materials and other modern materials are considered. Special attention is paid to the study of technological characteristics, durability and maintenance costs of various types of facade systems. The application of ABC analysis allows classifying facade systems according to their impact on the cost and quality of construction. In this context, facade systems are divided into three categories: A - the most important and expensive, B - medium importance and expensive, C - less important and with minimal expenses. This approach allows builders and designers to focus their attention on the most critical elements that affect the overall cost and efficiency of construction.As a result of the study, it becomes possible to make an informed decision regarding the choice of the optimal facade system, which best meets the specific needs of the project and contributes to the optimization of the cost of the life cycle of the building. In particular, the selection of appropriate materials and technologies allows to reduce construction costs, ensure durability and reduce maintenance and repair costs in the future. In addition, the results of the study can become the basis for the development of practical recommendations for professionals in the construction industry, including builders, designers and architects. This makes it possible to create more efficient, economical and ecologically sustainable construction objects. Also, the article emphasizes the importance of creating specialist training schools and conditions for the successful implementation of life cycle assessment technologies in the construction industry.

Systematic screening and evaluation for an optimal adsorbent in a facade-integrated adsorption-based solar cooling system for high-rise buildings

Solar-powered adsorption chillers are a climate-friendly solution for building cooling, but costs and space requirements limit their widespread adoption. Recently developed adsorption cooling facade systems (ACFS) save installation space and further reduce CO2 emissions. The performance of ACFS depends on the implemented adsorbent. To achieve low costs and high performance of ACFS, this study systematically screened and scored adsorbents using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, focusing on price, stability, driving temperature and adsorption capacity. This method narrowed down 293 adsorbents to top 10 scored adsorbents including 4 silica gels, 4 active carbons and 2 molecular sieves. The adsorbent-specific performance is evaluated by numerical simulation, revealing silica gel Type A++, Type 2560, Siogel and molecular sieve AQSOA-FAM-Z02 have peak adsorber temperatures 1.5–9.3 °C lower and increase solar cooling efficiency (SCE) by 25–27 % compared to reference adsorbent Zeolite 13X. A sensitivity analysis of the Dubinin-Astakhov equation shows increasing E and decreasing V leads to an only minor adsorber temperature decrease and minor system efficiency increase. Lower temperatures and higher capacity cannot guarantee better system performance. This underscores that improving system performance cannot be achieved solely through adsorbent optimization but requires system optimization in parallel.

Comparison of the Position of the Maximum Humidification Zone when Using the Methods of Stationary and Non-Stationary Heat and Humidity Regime

The basic formulas for mathematical modeling of the heat and moisture regime of building envelopes in stationary and non-stationary settings are given. It is noted that the mathematical model uses third kind boundary conditions. Objective of the study: to check whether the moisture maximum plane position in the thickness of building envelopes is confirmed assessing non-stationary moisture conditions. Two methods for verification are used: the graphical method for determining the plane of maximum moisture and the method for assessing the non-stationary moisture regime, based on the Gagarin and Kozlov moisture potential. It was found that the maximum moisture is confirmed both for facade systems with mineral wool insulation and for facade systems with expanded polystyrene insulation. In the case of mineral wool, the maximum moisture is located outside the insulation layer. For expanded polystyrene insulation, the maximum moisture is determined inside the insulation layer. Thus, it was confirmed that the maximum moisture in the thickness of the enclosing structure, determined by the graphical method, is confirmed by mathematical modeling of a non-stationary heat and moisture regime.

Multi-Objective Optimization of a Folding Kinetic Facade System Proposal for Thermal, Daylight, and Energy Performances

Efficient utilization of daylight and energy resources significantly influences the quality of indoor spaces, user comfort, and overall efficiency. This study presents a folding facade proposal through the design alternatives offered by kinetic architecture and parametric design to enhance efficiency. This alternative design method integrates and coordinates the design components simultaneously and makes any intervention easier when compared with traditional design methods. In this context, the method is based on computational models, aiming to find the most efficient design alternative by optimization. The proposed facade design specifically targets an indoor office space within a university. The modular system, integrated into existing windows, facilitates a folding movement. This dynamic feature aims to optimize illumination within the space, effectively controlling daylight without causing disruptions to users. Simultaneously, the design seeks to balance energy consumption and ensure thermal comfort. The results show that it provides a significant improvement over the base case. The proposed kinetic façade system improved indoor thermal comfort by 22.09-31.99% while slightly increasing energy use (2% at most). Although it provided an average of 59% improvement in spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), 13.30% - 87.38% was achieved compared to the base case. However, the desired value by LEED was achieved very little in Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE). In conclusion, the proposed kinetic facade system proves to be a valuable intervention for enhancing the indoor environment of an office space at Dokuz Eylül University

Thermal and manufacturing properties of hollow-core 3D-printed elements for lightweight facades

High-performance facades play an important role in achieving Net-Zero goals by 2050. As a facade manufacturing technology, 3D printing offers the opportunity to create site-specific and high-performance building envelopes. In this manuscript, the thermal performance of components fabricated with different Material Extrusion methods is studied experimentally, and the fabrication time is calculated, thereby examining both performance and fabrication viability. More specifically, this manuscript investigates the thermal performance of 3D-printed facades using Hollow-Core 3D printing (HC3DP) and explores the potential of this novel approach in creating thermally insulating, lightweight, and translucent building envelopes. The research compares the thermal resistance of HC3DP specimens to conventional material extrusion methods, such as desktop 3D printers, and granular-based, large-scale pellet extrusion. Different methods are used to determine the thermal resistance of specimens, including the dynamic thermal conductivity measurement for the desktop 3D-printed (3DP) specimens, and the steady-state hot box heat flux meter approach for HC3DP. The results demonstrate that HC3DP enables lower Thermal transmittance (U-value)s at lighter weight and faster printing speed, making it a promising avenue for further research. Additionally, the combination of HC3DP with aerogel is shown to create ultra-lightweight and thermally insulating 3D-printed facade elements. The potential of this new facade technology is also highlighted in comparison with established facade systems. All in all, the manuscript provides insights into the thermal performance of 3D-printed facades at different printing resolutions and emphasizes the importance of printing time and material consumption in determining the most promising 3D printing approach for lightweight and thermally insulating facades.

Ensuring fire safety: compliance tests for the use of polystyrene foam in facades systems

Ensuring fire safety is the most important thing in the construction industry, especially when it comes to facade materials. The inherent flammability of polystyrene foam poses significant safety concerns, especially when integrated into facade systems. Therefore, the main focus is on meeting the strict flammability requirements set for construction products, which are assessed by applying rigorous test procedures. This study focuses on the fire resistance testing of a facade system using EPS 70 with graphite additives. The system has been evaluated according to the strict DIN 4102-20 standards. Tests were conducted under real-world conditions to gain insight into the performance of the EPS 70 in real-world fire scenarios. Temperature measurements were taken at various points in the facade system, including at least 3.5 meters above the combustion chamber. The results showed that the temperature does not exceed 500 °C, so it is possible to quantify the thermal properties of the material and the ability to prevent the vertical spread of fire. After the tests, detailed post-test inspections were carried out to evaluate the internal flame propagation after removing the top layer of plaster. The study confirms that polystyrene foam EPS 70 with graphite additives meets the fire safety requirements of DIN 4102-20, which suggests that it can be used more widely in building facades to improve fire safety in residential and commercial buildings. The study highlights the importance of adhering to installation standards, emphasizing the need for accurate installation practices. It also encourages the development of new composite materials with similar or improved fire safety properties, laying the foundation for further innovations in fire-resistant materials

Energy optimization for Façade retrofit design of residential buildings in hot climates using advanced materials

Global warming has adversely affected the building sector in many countries. Energy retrofit strategies for existing buildings have been developed to combat this issue, including advanced facade system coatings. This study examines how advanced coatings such as PCMs, thermochromics, and cool materials can be effectively used to enhance the thermal behavior and energy performance of existing facades in hot climates. It aims to suggest the optimal combinations of such materials for the façade retrofit design of a typical low-rise residential building in hot climates. Using optimization, Design Builder software is utilized to assess the thermal behavior and energy performance of a combination of advanced materials used. The results revealed that the arrangement of exterior wall layers, thickness and placement of thermal insulation, and the material used in the façade outer layer have a significant effect on the annual energy consumption. Applying coatings with high reflective values as an outer layer of facades can reduce monthly surface temperatures by 2.62 °C in summer and annual cooling loads by 13.78 %. Using PCM coating as an inner layer of the façade improves indoor temperatures by 1.83 °C during different seasons and decreases annual cooling demands by 13.23 %. Finally, the optimal combination of such materials for the energy retrofit design of a typical residential building with three conventional façades has been defined.

The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Approach to the Assessment and Hierarchy of Factors Shaping the Costs of Facade Systems

The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Approach to the Assessment and Hierarchy of Factors Shaping the Costs of Facade Systems

Understanding Compartmentation Failure for High-Rise Timber Buildings

The traditional concept of compartmentation guaranteed by fire resistance is mainly concerned with the problem of destructive internal spread potential. External convective spread potential pertains to the loss of compartmentation associated with windows and facade systems. As such, it is assumed that internal fire spread occurs following mechanisms of excessive heat conduction and/or successive failure of the compartment boundaries, which can be, in most cases, conservatively characterised using traditional methods of performance assessment such as fire resistance. Nevertheless, external fire spread represents a potentially more effective route by which fire can spread through the convective advancement of flames and hot gases. This is particularly important in cases such as timber construction, where the presence of exposed timber can result in increased convective spread potential and where loss of compartmentation can result in disproportionate consequences. A simplified compartment fire model is proposed with the objective of quantifying the fuel contribution of exposed timber elements to the compartment fire and determining the impact of variable percentages of exposed timber on the convective spread potential. The overall results show that the convective fire spread potential increases with the increasing percentage of available timber.

Research on the Design Strategy of Double–Skin Facade in Cold and Frigid Regions—Using Xinjiang Public Buildings as an Example

In the context of global warming, the focus on applying and researching double–skin facade (DSF) systems to reduce energy consumption in buildings has significantly increased. However, researchers have not thoroughly examined the performance and applicability of DSFs in severe cold regions with high winter heating demands. This study aims to evaluate the potential application of DSFs in the harsh cold cities of Northwest China and investigate their role in enhancing energy efficiency in large public buildings. Through energy consumption simulation and a comprehensive evaluation using the TOPSIS entropy weight method, the effects of applying 20 DSF schemes in four cold cities in Xinjiang (Kashgar, Urumqi, Altay, and Turpan) were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the average EUI energy–saving rates in Kashgar, Urumqi, Altay, and Turpan are 64.75%, 63.19%, 56.70%, and 49.41%, respectively. South–facing orientation is deemed optimal for DSF in Xinjiang cities, with the highest energy–saving rate reaching 15.19%. In Kashgar, the energy–saving benefits of west–facing DSF surpass those of north–facing DSF. Conversely, the order of orientation benefits for other cities is south, north, west, and east. An analysis of heating, cooling, and lighting energy consumption reveals that Box Windows exhibit superior heating energy efficiency, while Corridors are more effective for cooling. This characteristic is also evident in the optimal installation orientation of various types of curtain walls. Given the relatively higher demand for heating compared to cooling in urban areas, Box Windows yields significant benefits when facing south, west, or north; conversely, if there is a high demand for urban cooling, Corridors should be considered in these three directions. Multistorey DSF systems are suitable for east–facing buildings in Xinjiang cities. Selecting suitable DSF schemes based on specific conditions and requirements can reduce building energy consumption. The research findings offer theoretical guidance for designing and implementing DSF in diverse cities in cold regions.

Time-dependent design of hyperelastic bonded joints in structural glass

For glass constructions with a high degree of transparency, facade systems with structural sealant glazing are increasingly being used. However, the use of bonded joints is also suitable for many other applications in glass construction. Even today, the design of bonded joints is still based on the outdated global safety concept according to ETAG 002. Although the safety and predictability of hyperelastic silicone bonds have been continuously shown by research activities during recent years, high levels of safety are still required in the design, which is mainly due to the expected degradation of the adhesive. From a design perspective, it is necessary to consider the time dependency. On the one hand, the bonded joint must be able to withstand variable loads of different strain rates at any time during its service life, taking degradation into account. On the other hand, if the bonded joint is also under a permanent load due to dead load of the glazing, it must also be ensured that the failure time would only be attained at the end of the component's service life. This article presents a fully probabilistic method that considers the degradation of the adhesive as well as various statistical influencing quantities (such as wind effects, manufacturing tolerances or material scattering) and determines a modification coefficient kmod\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${k}_{mod}$$\\end{document} for silicone adhesives under variable loads by calibrating to specified reliability indices. In addition, partial safety factors are determined in accordance with Eurocode 0, which are investigated as part of a sensitivity analysis.

Numerical-experimental study of the thermal behavior of a green facade in a warm climate in Mexico

Demographic growth entails an increase in the construction of buildings and streets, whose materials significantly absorb heat and, upon release, create discomfort for the inhabitants of large urban areas. Vegetation emerges as a crucial element to enhance both the indoor environment of buildings and the outdoor surroundings. Green facades present themselves as a highly efficient alternative to integrate vegetation in densely urbanized areas. This study focuses on evaluating the thermal performance of an indirect-type green facade system in a warm climate in Mexico. The research encompasses experimental measurements and numerical simulations of the thermal effect of the green facade and also a parametric study of the vertical leaf area index (LAIV) and air gap size. In the experimental test, temperatures were recorded in two identical test cells, one of which was equipped with a green facade with Pyrostegia Venusta plants on one of its surfaces. The numerical study validated the results obtained through experimental tests, using simulations of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) considering a typical day for each season throughout the year. Validation results revealed Mean Percentage Errors (MPE) of −2.86 % and 0.25 %, Mean Bias Errors (MBE) of −0.49 °C and 0.08 °C, and Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) of 1.34 °C and 1.29 °C for the bare facade and the green facade, respectively. In the numerical analysis, it was observed that the green facade succeeded in reducing the indoor air temperature in a range of 4.57 to 5.64 °C, while decreasing the heat flux in an interval of 7.84 to 16.79 W/m2. Moreover, a parametric study revealed that the LAIV ceases to be a significant parameter beyond 2.5, while the air gap size proves to be a considerably less influential factor compared to the LAIV. These results confirm the relevance of using vegetation in buildings to mitigate the effects of heat and improve the thermal comfort of inhabitants.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ОТКАЗА РАБОТЫ ОБЛИЦОВОЧНЫХ ПАНЕЛЕЙ НА ТЕПЛОТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА НАВЕСНЫХ ВЕНТИЛИРУЕМЫХ ФАСАДНЫХ КОНСТРУКЦИЙ

Abstract. One of the most common solutions for external enclosing wall structures are hinged ventilated façade structures, which, thanks to the use of air layers, provide increased energy efficiency. However, such systems have a number of drawbacks, including the formation of cold bridges in the places of attachment of facade panels, which can lead to significant problems in the operation of the system. In addition, it is known that individual facade panels can fall and refuse to work, which leads to a violation of the closure of the air layer and negatively affects the thermal properties of the structure. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account both the shortcomings of the facade structure itself and the problems associated with its operation in order to correctly assess the impact of the failure of the facade panels on the thermal properties of the structure as a whole. This problem is one of the most important for systems of hinged ventilated facades, as it can lead to a complete loss of thermal engineering properties of the structure. This study considers a theoretical solution to the problem of calculating the heat transfer resistance of air layers in hinged ventilated facade structures and organizing this solution into a consistent design methodology for further investigation of the effect of the fall of facing panels on thermal engineering properties of hinged ventilated facades. The main question of the study, consisting in assessing the impact of the failure of the cladding panels on the thermal properties of hinged ventilated facade structures, is considered in accordance with the provisions of the developed methodology and its subsequent mathematical analysis. The need for such a study is justified by the need to determinethe most effective ways to eliminate the shortcomings of hinged ventilated facade structures and increase their thermal properties.
 Materials and methods: analysis of scientific and technical literature, mathematical analysis of the dependence of the resistance to heat transfer of air layers on the geometric parameters of the structure.
 Subject of research: air layers in hinged ventilated façade structures.
 Results: mathematical dependences are obtained that allow us to estimate the change in the moisture content of the thermal insulation material of hinged facade systems, the air velocity in the air layer and the air temperature in the air layer because of facing panel’s failure. 
 Conclusions: failure of facing panels of hinged facade systems leads to a change in the humidity of the thermal insulation and the parameters of the air layer, which can lead to exceeding regulatory requirements.

Modular Systems for Building Renovation

The article discusses the methodology and technology of installing a new facade system on the old facade of the building, improving the appearance of the building and protecting the old facade, including the prevention of many problems. This research employs an analytical descriptive approach by gathering information on the methodology and technology used in installing modular facade systems on existing buildings. Data is collected through literature review and case studies of successfully implemented building renovation projects. The analysis results indicate that the use of modular systems in building renovation provides numerous benefits, including improved construction efficiency, cost and time reduction, as well as enhanced durability and aesthetics of the building. Moreover, the use of modular systems enables more flexible design adjustments according to the existing architectural context. The utilization of modular systems in building renovation brings positive impacts in enhancing the building's appearance while safeguarding the original facade and preventing various construction issues. By providing more efficient and flexible solutions, modular systems unlock significant potential in sustainably and aesthetically renewing existing building structures.

Facade Panels with Integrated Clinker Products

The paper covers current trends in the development of facade systems. Modern innovative hinged panels made of glass fiber reinforced concrete and polyurethane foam with integrated clinker products are considered. An analysis of the defects identified during the inspection of the panels was carried out. Possible mechanisms of their damage are described. The most likely cause of damage to clinker products integrated into panels are tensile and shear stresses resulting from differences in temperature deformations of clinker and glass fiber reinforced concrete. An analysis of the stress state of these materials at positive and negative temperatures was performed. The results of experimental studies are presented. Installing a damping layer of deformable material might be the way to compensate the stresses between clinker products and glass fiber reinforced concrete. An analysis of the stress state of the connection of ceramic tiles with polyurethane foam is given. It is shown that due to the significant difference in their temperature deformations, a concentration of shear stresses is observed in the contact zone, resulting in delamination of the tiles. The paper discusses the potential implication of the described panels and their possible further improvement.

Comparative analysis of space layouts and facade systems for office retrofit design in hot climate

ABSTRACT Worldwide, office buildings account for almost one-third of global energy consumption. Therefore, the energy retrofit design of office buildings could reduce total energy consumption. Considering the benefits of advanced facade systems, retrofit facade design is an effective strategy for energy conservation while improving daylight performance, occupant well-being, and productivity. This paper compares the daylight and energy performance of single and double-skin facade systems used in a typical office building in a hot climate with different space layouts. The main objective is to optimize the daylight and energy performance of various facade systems in combination with a wide range of design variables. Simulations were conducted in DesignBuilder software using a multi-objective optimization approach. Eleven design variables and 103 simulations were considered with the objective of enhancing daylight performance while reducing cooling and lighting loads. Based on the results, single-skin facade configurations could enhance daylight performance significantly compared to double-skin facades, while double-skin facades performed better by reducing the risk of glare and annual energy consumption. Using single and double-skin facade systems could reduce annual total energy consumption by 50% and 60% compared to the existing building.

Design and Feasibility Study of a Real-Time Controlled Kinetic Facade System for Natural Lighting and Ventilation

Design and Feasibility Study of a Real-Time Controlled Kinetic Facade System for Natural Lighting and Ventilation