Facade Model Research Articles

Design and modeling of PV-integrated Double Skin Facades and application to retrofit buildings

Double Skin Façade (DSF) system comprises two glazing layers with a ventilated cavity. Integrating photovoltaic (PV) modules within the outer layer of DSFs offers an efficient method for electricity generation. Current tools for modeling and analyzing DSF systems are complex and resource-intensive, lacking the capability to evaluate the performance of innovative PV-DSF systems during the early design stage. This study develops a mathematical model to evaluate the electrical and thermal performance of PV-DSF systems, considering architectural design elements such as PV color and relative orientation. Based on an energy balance approach, the model is particularly suited for designing PV-DSF systems in heritage buildings, which often have color and relative orientation constraints. The model is applied to assess the performance of PV-DSF systems with conventional clear glass PV and colored front glass PV modules under the climatic conditions of Montreal, Canada. Results indicated that conventional clear glass PV module exhibit higher PV cell temperature than colored PV modules due to greater transmissivity, with peak temperature differences at noon of 5.5 °C, 6.2 °C, and 6.5 °C for orange, blue, and gray PV modules, respectively. On the contrary, the influence of PV's color front glass on room air temperature is non-significant. Furthermore, the optimal orientation for maximum energy yield is not always south-facing; it depends on the hourly distribution of the beam, diffuse solar irradiation, and ambient air temperature. For Montreal, west-facing DSFs produce more electrical and thermal energy on a summer design day because the hourly distribution of beam radiation is skewed towards afternoon hours.

A framework for fully automated reconstruction of semantic building model at urban-scale using textured LoD2 data

The CityGML Level of Detail 3 (LoD3), a widely adopted standard for three-dimensional (3D) city modeling, has been accessible for an extended period. However, its comprehensive implementation remains limited due to challenges such as insufficient automation and inconsistent data quality. This research introduces an innovative and fully automated framework aimed at urban-scale semantic building model reconstruction. The proposed framework addresses three critical challenges: (1) proposing facade layout graph model to formalize the geometry and topological relationships of semantic entities on building facades, thereby promoting the deduction of structural completeness and the reconstruction of semantic facade models; (2) establishing a mapping relationship between texture images, semantic entities, and building shells guided by the facade layout graph to ensure consistent correlations among the geometry, semantics, and topology of building models; (3) developing an efficient representation methodology for semantic building models utilizing a parameter set derived from the facade layout graph. The proposed framework has been successfully validated by reconstructing 8,681 buildings from three different locations in Berlin. The results demonstrate an outstanding reconstruction accuracy of 91%, with a time efficiency of only 3.42 s per building. Visual analysis further confirms that the framework effectively fulfills the application prerequisites of 3D GIS. The code of the proposed framework is available in the repository: https://github.com/wangyuefeng2017/LoD3Framework-.

Experimental Study on Heat Transfer Characteristics of Hollowing Defect Areas on Building Facade

Infrared detection is more and more widely used in the field of non-destructive testing of buildings to detect whether there is a defect on the surface of the building facade. In many cases, it is necessary to obtain more information about the defect, such as the depth of the defect, so as to evaluate the severity of the defect and repair. The theoretical formula of hollowing defect depths was derived in this paper based on the heat transfer characteristics of the intact and defective areas on the building facade, and the influence of defects with different shapes, sizes and cavity thicknesses on the temperature distribution of the building facade was summarized quantitatively. Firstly, the theoretical formula of the hollowing defect depth and the factors affecting the distribution of the temperature gradient on the building facade excited by external thermal source was derived and restricted by the boundary condition. Secondly, three sets of physical building facade models that contained hollowing defects with different shapes, sizes and cavity thicknesses were fabricated and designed, and the experimental platform was built. The infrared thermograms and the temperature characteristic curves of the hollowing defect in a natural light environment were obtained and fitted according to the temperature differences of the defective area, while analyzing the influence of the size, shape and cavity thicknesses on surface temperature distribution. Finally, the theoretical formula of the defect depth that is applicable to the building façade was validated through the experimental simulation of 14 forms of hollowing. The experimental results demonstrated that the revised formula of defect depth is consistent with the actual defect depth, and the three-dimensional positioning of the hollow drum defect of the building facade can be effectively carried out and combined with the defect size taken from the obtained infrared thermal image.

Parametric study and sensitivity analysis on thermoelectric energy generation of building integrated photovoltaic facades in various climatic zones of China

Building Integrated Photovoltaic facades (BIPV facades) represent state-of-the-art building envelope systems generating both electrical and thermal energy. While previous research predominantly focused on electricity generation, this study investigated impact of important design parameters on all useful thermoelectric energy, including electricity, air heat gains, and indoor heat dissipation. A novel BIPV facade model has been developed in TRNSYSvalidated by extensive long-term experimental data. Through numerical simulations conducted across different climatic zones in China, parameters impact regularities were investigated with sensitivity analysis. Results revealed that influence of parameters on electricity generation is relatively modest, with sensitivity indices ranging from 0 % to 2.4 %. BIPV facade height and building insulation U-value impact demonstrate monodirectional linear pattern, while air channel width impact exhibits extremums. For all climatic zones, both electricity generation and air heat gains are most sensitive to air channel width, with sensitivity index ranging from 1.2 % to 2.4 % and 38.3 %–42.3 %, respectively. Sensitivity index of indoor heat gains to air channel width decreases from 51.2 % to 20.9 % from north to south, while sensitivity to building insulation U-value increases from 23.8 % to 85.3 %. Research provides innovative perspective on the design of BIPV facades for comprehensive thermoelectric energy utilization with design parameter priority clarified.

Metal-free organocatalysts for high hydrolytic stability single component polyurethane adhesives and their application in decorative insulation facades manufacturing

We focused on developing polyurethane (PU) adhesives with superior ambient thermal and hydrolytic stability, a crucial factor for industrial productivity. Our approach involved creating PU prepolymers that can withstand varying temperatures in ambient conditions. These prepolymers consist of conventional isocyanate-terminated polyurethane and metal-free acid:base organic catalysts, with the stability of the adhesive relying on the organocatalyst employed. We tested a series of 11 latent organocatalysts derived from the reaction between 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and various acids. Among these, the catalyst based on 1-naphthoic acid exhibited exceptional stability, lasting at least 3 h at 60 °C and an average relative humidity of 65% under vigorous stirring. We assessed this stability using a fan-based stirrer and analyzed the curing conditions kinetically through DSC. Furthermore, our adhesive formulation is environmentally friendly as it is free of metals, specifically tin (typically present in catalysts such as dibutyltin dilaurate). This quality enhances its sustainability. To validate the practical applicability of the adhesives, we conducted tests using decorative facade models composed of siliciclastic sandstone extracted from a quarry in Vilviestre del Pinar (Burgos, Spain. Latitude: 41.951024° N, longitude: 3.078283° W) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). The results demonstrated the excellent hydrolytic and thermal stability of the adhesives, highlighting their significant potential for panel manufacturing in this context.

The Architectural Design of Building Façade Models Related to Optimizing Daylight Distribution

Lighting control integrated with daylighting is recognized as an important and useful strategy in energy efficient building design. One of the right factors to reduce energy consumption for artificial lighting during the day is the maximum utilization of sunlight. The aim of this research, distribution of daylight into the building analysis with five models of building facades and value of illuminance in the morning, afternoon and evening with orientation of the window openings to the northeast and southwest. Bank Mega is one of the tall buildings in Makassar Indonesia, which is located in a coastal area that is not blocked by other tall buildings, so this building is the object of research as a basis for designing façade models on building envelopes. The methodology this study is quantitative, analyzing the performance of sunlight as a source of daylighting in office buildings. This paper presents field measurements in office buildings, namely in rooms that are oriented northeast and southwest. The analysis in the two spaces is a reference to determine the effect of sunlight on the orientation of the building. In this study also conducted visual perception experiments by submitting questionnaires to 43 respondents. the results show that there are some complaints for employees, because of the high illuminance value in certain areas. Furthermore, simulate using the Radiance Illuminance Program software to determine the illuminance value of room in the morning, noon and afternoon with five building facade model designs, i.e., massive glass, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and vertical-diagonal model. The results presented in this paper show that the distribution of daylight in an east-oriented room is higher in the morning than in the evening and noon. Whereas in the southwest orientation it is inversely proportional, the value of light distribution is higher in the afternoon than in the morning and noon. Accordingly, orientation of the building affects distribution of daylight. The massive glass facade model without using sun shading has the highest light distribution value compared to other façade models, but can cause glare and excessive brightness. Furthermore, the second highest distribution of daylight with the vertical facade model, but there are also areas that exceed the standard illuminance level for workspaces, but only in areas near window openings. The combined model of the vertical-diagonal facade which also has a high distribution of illuminance value and to redirect daylight deep into building interior simultaneously in the morning, afternoon and evening. Accordingly, façade model on envelope of building affects distribution of daylight. The aesthetic value of architectural design shows that the appearance of the building does not look monotonous or massive, when using the building facade models because there are attractive areas in the building envelope.

Enhancing visual comfort with Miura-ori-based responsive facade model

With the advancement of technology, buildings are expected to have responsive facades with the potential to adapt themselves according to ever-changing environmental conditions. The paper presents a design for a responsive facade model based on origami principles that aim to enhance visual comfort for building occupants. The model features kinetic elements that reduce solar heat gain while maintaining visual comfort. The design takes into account not only the sun's impact on the façade but also the position of the occupants, which can change over time. To evaluate visual comfort, the study used a simulation model that considers key daylight performance metrics, including Daylight Autonomy, Daylight Glare Probability, Useful Daylight Illumination, Exceeded Useful Daylight Illumination, and visual performance criteria. The simulations were conducted in Istanbul, which has a Mediterranean climate and compared to a base scenario without a facade module. The results showed that the proposed origami-based responsive facade outperforms the base scenario in terms of daylight performance enhancement.

Hygrothermal Simulation Applied to Degradation Modeling of Ceramic Facades

Facades are exposed daily to the incidence of degradation agents such as driving rain and solar radiation. Degradation mechanisms that alter the chemical or physical structure of the material are affected according to the level of incidence of such agents, thus leading to the rise of anomalies such as ceramic tile detachment and cracks. Currently, computer simulations are used to model the action of the climate agents, however, it is not always possible to estimate all agents and factors influencing the degradation process. The combined analysis of the results of the hygrothermal simulation and the degradation indicators of the ceramic facades allows a better understanding of the degradation process and mechanisms. The objective of this research is to simulate the degradation caused by the main climate agents and obtain a statistical model able to describe degradation in ceramic facades. The degradation measurement method (DMM) quantifies the degradation of facades as a function of the affected area. The degradation trend is expressed by indicators that consider the severity of different anomalies according to the affected area. The multiple linear regression model age-weighted indicated the total radiation and thermal stress and humidifying and drying cycles as the most representative variables in degradation modeling. Ceramic facades show slight degradation up to 17 years old, and the end of service life after 25 years. From 45 years of age onwards, facades tend to be in a state of severe degradation, impairing the building performance and safety of users.

A Coarse-to-Fine DLG and TLS Data Registration Method

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is an efficient tool to capture the point cloud for facade modeling. However, it is not easy to obtain the position by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as occluded by high buildings, which would lead to a problem for orienting the TLS data to a target coordinate system. In this paper, we propose a coarse-to-fine registration method for reliably orient the TLS data using digital line graph (DLG). The orientation is completed by horizontal plane registration and elevation registration part. The proposed method is composed of five steps: (1) Using the proposed method to extract the corner points from the building outline of DLG. (2) Using the proposed method based on RANSAC algorithm to extract the corner points and the façade point clouds of the TLS data. (3) Coarse alignment of the two extracted sets of corner points using 4PCS algorithm; (4) Fine registration by 2D-ICP algorithm; and (5) Completing elevation registration using elevation control points. Three data sets are employed to perform the experiments, and the results confirm that the proposed method is reliable and efficient in achieving the registration DLG and TLS data. By comparing to two other typical registration methods, the proposed method performs better.

A Preliminary Study on the Main Ridge Decoration of Buildings in Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties in Guanzhong Area

The function of roof ridge ornament is irreplaceable in the facade modeling of traditional Chinese architecture. Taking the ornament in the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Guanzhong area as an example, this paper summarizes and analyzes the appearance characteristics, and internal cultural connotation of the ornament that is currently present in the Guanzhong area from the aspects of its decorative content, color, and grade indication. Further, make relevant discussions, hoping to supplement the research of ancient ornament.

Thermal and ventilation performance of a curved double-skin facade model

Curved architectural forms are becoming popular in modern building designs, resulting in more demanding requirements of curved double-skin façades (CDSF). However, CDSF’s natural ventilation performance is barely known, as most current studies investigate planar DSF (PDSF). This paper experimentally evaluated the thermal performance of a reduced scale CDSF model. Experimental results show that CDSF can form natural ventilation by buoyancy, however, with significant discrepancies in the distribution of solar irradiances on the curved surface. Observed nonuniformity shows 30.05 % on average vertically and 9.12 % on average horizontally. The thermal pressures vary at different horizontal positions with a fluctuation range between 0.056 Pa and 0.063 Pa, indicating the influence of gradients and the existence of transverse flows and heat transfers in the cavity. Moreover, the effects of solar irradiation and outdoor air temperature on the CDSF are discussed. The results show that solar irradiation is the main influencing factor on the thermal performance of a CDSF, which are correlated with air velocities in the form of power functions. The influence of solar irradiation on CDSF is similar to that of PDSFs, but CDSF exhibits a bigger exponent. In comparison, outdoor air temperature shows very limited effects, and the influence of outdoor air temperature on CDSF is similar to that of PDSF. For the analyzed CDSF, the thermal pressures only fluctuate from 0.053 Pa to 0.055 Pa when the outdoor air temperature raises from 24 °C to 36 °C.

Three-Dimensional Modelling of Spatial Data in Urban Territory

The content of the research is divided into four points. The first part considers the need of 3D models creation - good practices applied in different countries related to Internet services for urban development and planning, preservation of cultural heritage, as well as scientific research. The second part focuses on the nature of 3D modeling, addressing theoretical issues concerning conceptual modeling, classification of three-dimensional models, geometry and topology. Different data formats are described. The third part focuses on an overview of the different 3D data sources and 3D modeling methods. The fourth part includes the description of a specific software for creating, editing and presenting 3D models - City Engine. The functionality, the specific possibilities for additional analysis and extraction of attribute information from the created models are described, as well as the programming language used in creating three-dimensional models in the software environment. In the fourth part, practical tasks are performed, which aim to make a comparison between the actual state of construction with the set project values in the general development plan for Sofia Municipality. 3D models of buildings in a neighbourhood in the Lozenets region were created, after which an additional analysis of the current state of construction was performed. The possibilities of the software for automatic generation of a street network are considered, as well as the functionality related to the modeling of facades.

TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING AND SATELLITE DATA IN CULTURAL HERITAGE BUILDING DOCUMENTATION

Abstract. Technological advances in the field of information acquisition have led to the development of various techniques regarding building documentation. Among the proposed methods, acquisition of data without being in direct physical contact with the features under investigation could provide valuable information especially in the case of buildings or areas presenting a high cultural value. Satellite or ground-based remote sensing techniques could contribute to the protection, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage buildings, as well as in the interpretation and monitoring of their surrounding area. The increasing interest in the generation of 3D facade models for documentation of the built environment has made laser scanning a valuable tool for 3D data collection. Through the generation of dense 3D point clouds, digitization of building facades could be achieved, offering data that could be used for further processing. Satellite imagery could also contribute to this direction, extending the monitoring possibilities of the buildings’ surrounding area or even providing information regarding change detection in large-scale cultural landscapes. This paper presents the study of a mansion house built in the middle of the 18th century in northwestern Greece, using terrestrial laser scanning techniques for facade documentation, as well as satellite imagery for monitoring and interpretation purposes. The scanning process included multiple external scans of the main facade of the building which were registered using artificial targets in order to form a single colored 3D model. Further process resulted in a model that offers measurement possibilities valuable to future plans and designs for preservation and restoration. Digital processing of satellite imagery provided the extraction of additional enhanced data regarding the physiognomy of the surrounding area.

Kontribusi masyarakat pesisir pantai padang menata pemukimannya dalam meningkatkan daya tarik objek wisata pantai padang, kota padang

This study aims to determine: 1) Community contribution in overcoming inadequate environmental infrastructure, 2) Community contribution in overcoming bad house arrangement and environmental public facilities, 3) Community contribution in overcoming unattractive building facade models. This type of research is classified as Mix Methods. The population of this research is the people of RT 004 Rimbo Kaluang sub-district with a total population of 90 households with 73 subjects. Collecting data using questionnaires, documentation and interviews. The data analysis used was two approaches, namely qualitative and quantitative approaches. The results of this study indicate that in order to overcome inadequate environmental infrastructure, the community will repair it together through community contributions, or ask for assistance to Musrembang which is submitted to the village head office. To overcome the poor arrangement of houses and public facilities, there is still no contribution from the community, because the community only contributes to improving the economy, namely by building stalls to sell. To overcome the unattractive building facade model, the community also contributes less because the status of the land there is illegal, so the community builds just for an emergency and does not meet proper housing standards.

Reduction of Load Capacity of Fiber Cement Board Facade Cladding under the Influence of Fire.

The paper analyzes the issue of the reduction of load capacity in fiber cement board during a fire. Fiber cement boards were put under the influence of fire by using a large-scale facade model. Such a model is a reliable source of knowledge about the behavior of facade cladding and the way fire spreads. One technical solution for external walls—a ventilated facade—is gaining popularity and is used more and more often. However, the problem of the destruction during a fire of a range of different materials used in external facade cladding is insufficiently recognized. For this study, the authors used fiber cement boards as the facade cladding. Fiber cement boards are fiber-reinforced composite materials, mainly used for facade cladding, but also used as roof cladding, drywall, drywall ceiling and floorboards. This paper analyzes the effect of fire temperatures on facade cladding using a large-scale facade model. Samples were taken from external facade cladding materials that were mounted on the model at specific locations above the combustion chamber. Subsequently, three-point bending flexural tests were performed and the effects of temperature and the integrals of temperature and time functions on the samples were evaluated. The three-point bending flexural test was chosen because it is a universal method for assessing fiber cement boards, cited in Standard EN 12467. It also allows easy reference to results in other literature.

Practical-Empirical Modeling on Envelope Design towards Sustainability in Tropical Architecture

The building envelope’s overall thermal transfer value (OTTV) is an essential aspect of creating sustainable and energy-saving architecture. The original OTTV formula makes it difficult for any user who is not an expert to calculate OTTV. Designers usually need an empirical formula to determine the design direction in the initial design stage. Instead of replacing the previous SNI (The Indonesian National Standard) 6389:2011, this paper will introduce several simple equations as empirical formulas covering solar factor (SF), effective shading coefficient (SCeff), and OTTV. Three hundred architraves units of facade models were investigated to make the formulas or equations. Regression analysis was used to make three practical formulas in this paper. The research validation consists of first and crossed-validation to determine the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Average Percentage of Error (APE) between the rule of thumb and original equation of OTTV from the Indonesian standard. The results show that the RMSE is only 1.12 W/m2, while the APE is 1.05%. By these results, the empirical formulas can be implemented to be the rules of thumb in the first stage of the design process because the values of RMSE and APE are still under the design margin of thermal design in the building.

Influence of different exposition of larch wood facade models on their surface degradation processes

Abstract Wood, as a building material, is nowadays more often used outdoors. From the point of view of environment care, wood constructions and use of renewable materials belongs between modern increasing trends in industry. Wooden facades, more often used without surface treatment, are the important part of this trend. In Central Europe, European larch (Larix decidua) and Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) are especially popular materials for wooden facade elements. The aim of this study is to characterize the surface degradation of untreated facade models from both European and Siberian larch wood. The wood species, orientation to the sides of the world and construction type of the facade were the evaluation factors, which were regularly examined during 24 months of outdoor exposure via measuring the changes of surface colour, gloss, wettability and visual appearance in the form of cracks and resin leaking. The influence of all evaluated factors on the measured properties was determined. The results of this work can help to proper use of untreated larch wood on facade elements in practice.

Model-image registration of a building’s facade based on dense semantic segmentation

This article presents an efficient approach for accurate registration of a building facade model “dressed” with dense semantic information. Localization sensors such as the GPS as well as vision-based methods are able to provide a camera pose in an efficient and stable way, but at the expense of low accuracy. We propose here to rely on semantic maps to improve the accuracy of a rough camera pose. Simultaneously we aim to iteratively improve the quality of the semantic map through the registration. Registration and semantic segmentation are jointly refined in an Expectation–Maximization framework. We especially introduce a Bayesian model that uses prior semantic segmentation as well as geometric structure of the facade reference modeled by Generalized Gaussian Mixtures. We show the advantages of our method in terms of robustness to clutter and change of illumination on urban images from various databases.

Double Skin Green Facade in Workplace for Enhancing Thermal Performance in Greater Cairo

Facade planting is an innovative idea to make use of plants in cooling the surrounding. Double Skin Green Facade is a type of green walls that offers psychological benefit in addition to its thermal performance. The aim of this research was to define the effect of Double Skin Green Facade on indoor thermal conditions. Orientation and cavity width were the parameters identified in this research in order to achieve maximum efficiency. A Double Skin Green Facade model was applied on an office building to investigate its thermal performance in Cairo, using Design Builder software. The simulation process was divided into three phases. The first phase aimed to define the day with extreme high temperature among the year to undergo further phases. The second phase intended to compare the performance of the green facade to that of the base case in south, east, and west orientations. Then the cavity width parameter was examined on third phase. Results showed improvement on indoor air temperature after applying Double Skin Green Facade. Moreover, the research recommended its application on the west orientation with 1.5 meters cavity width with respect to Cairo climatic conditions.

Comparison of Building Envelope Models to Illuminance Level in Phinisi Tower Building

The hyperbolic parabolic facade is the appearance of a Phinisi Tower Building. The building facade characterizes this building and is also the aesthetic value of this building. Building facade models are increasingly developing, but need to pay attention to their association with visual for space users. Visual comfort is related to the standardization of the level of illuminance, which has been recommended by Indonesia National Standards. Quantitative research methods that used describe data measurement results in the workspace, which are directly related to the opening of the building envelope. The level of illuminance measurements are carried out in the workspace and in open areas in medium sky conditions. The results of the study are that the level of illuminance in the workspace is very different, because of the different facade models. vertical and horizontal strip facade models have a higher level of illuminance than the hyperbolic parabolic facade, whereas in spaces that do not use a facade but shaded by sunscreen are the highest. The results of the study concluded the building facade model influence of the level of illuminance in the workspace. The contribution of this research can be a guide in designing the facade shape of buildings, by paying attention to the distribution of lighting into the space, so that it can reduce the use of energy in terms of lighting and can create energy efficient building designs.