Journal of Facade Design and Engineering - Volume 3, issue 1

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150030

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. i-i, 2015

Authors: Castañeda, E. | Lauret, B. | Lirola, J.M. | Ovando, G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Free-form architecture is one of the major challenges for architects, engineers, and the building industry. This is due to the inherent difficulty of manufacturing double curvature facades at reasonable prices and quality. This paper discusses the possibilities of manufacturing free-form facade panels for architectural envelopes supported by recent advances in CAD/CAM systems and digital processes. These methods allow for no-mould processes, thus reducing the final price. Examples of actual constructions will be presented to prove the viability of computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication technologies. Scientific literature will be reviewed. Promising fabrication methods (additive, subtractive, forming) to accomplish this proposal will …be discussed. This research will provide valuable information regarding the feasibility of manufacturing free-form panels for architectural envelopes at lower prices. Show more

Keywords: Free-form architecture, double curvature facade panel, digital manufacturing, no-mould processes, CNC processes

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150031

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2015

Authors: Ibáñez-Puy, María | Sacristán Fernández, José Antonio | Martín-Gómez, César | Vidaurre-Arbizu, Marina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In order to fulfil the current challenges for the European building sector, building design has diverged into two alternative directions: active technologies and passive design strategies. In the last few years, advanced and responsive building envelope components have represented a promising answer to these challenges. This paper presents the design and construction process of a project that aims to design, build and control the energy performance of an industrial-scale modular active ventilated facade prototype with a new Themoelectric Peltier System (TPS). The TPS is a thermoelectric HVAC heat pump system designed to be located in the building envelope and providing …a high comfort level. Trying to optimize the energy performance of the traditional ventilated opaque facade, and make more efficient the energy performance of the TPS, the concept of adaptability has been applied to ventilated opaque facades. The essential research theme is to control the natural phenomena that take place inside the ventilated air cavity of the facade: taking advantage when heat dissipation is needed, and avoiding it when heat losses are not welcome. In order to quantify the previous statements, some facade prototypes are being built in Pamplona (Spain) and their energy performance is going to be analyzed during a year. Show more

Keywords: Ventilated opaque facade, energy efficiency, Peltier, prototype, adaptive facade

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150025

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 15-25, 2015

Authors: López, Marlén | Rubio, Ramón | Martín, Santiago | Croxford, Ben | Jackson, Richard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this paper, the authors present research into adaptive architectural envelopes that adapt to environmental changes using active materials, as a result of application of biomimetic principles from plants to architecture. Buildings use large amounts of energy in order to maintain their internal comfort, because conventional buildings are designed to provide a static design solution. Most of the current solutions for facades are not designed for optimum adaptation to contextual issues and needs, while biological solutions to adaptation are often complex, multi-functional and highly responsive. We focus on plant adaptations to the environment, as, due to their immobility, they have …developed special means of protection against weather changing conditions. Furthermore, recent developments in new technologies are allowing the possibility to transfer these plant adaptation strategies to technical implementation. These technologies include: multi-material 3D printing, advances in materials science and new capabilities in simulation software. Unlike traditional mechanical activation used for dynamic systems in kinetic facades, adaptive architectural envelopes require no complex electronics, sensors, or actuators. The paper proposes a research of the relationship that can be developed between active materials and environmental issues in order to propose innovative and low-tech design strategies to achieve living envelopes according to plant adaptation principles. Show more

Keywords: Active materials, adaptive architecture, biomimetics, energy efficiency, plants

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150026

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 27-38, 2015

Authors: Ilter, E. | Tavil, A. | Celik, O.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Unitized curtain wall systems have been widely seen on high-rise buildings’ facades by bringing benefits with regard to ease of construction, lightness, etc. However, some design and application problems related to structural and infiltration performance of a facade system might arise during its life cycle, which is difficult for the building to compensate. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the structural and infiltration performance of the two identically detailed and produced unitized curtain wall system mock-ups. In order to understand long-term environmental effects on the curtain wall system, a fatigue process was applied on one system in addition to …the standard test procedures, while the standard test procedure was applied on the other reference specimen. The tests on the two identical specimens were conducted in accordance with TS EN 13830 and AAMA 501.4 Standards. As a result of air infiltration and wind load resistance tests, air infiltration and frontal deflection values on the facade surface were obtained. Hence, experimental performance of the systems was compared and the effect of the fatigue procedure on the facade performance was evaluated. Show more

Keywords: Unitized curtain wall, full-scale test, structural and infiltration performance

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150028

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 39-47, 2015

Authors: Villasante, C. | del Hoyo, I. | Pagola, I. | Sánchez, M. | Aranzabe, E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A solar active envelope module with a high flexibility degree is proposed in this paper. The transparent module controls the day-lighting of the room, improving the indoor environment, while absorbing the superfluous solar energy inside. That energy is used to increase the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and the air-conditioning (HVAC) system of the building. This is carried out through a fine control of the absorptance of the envelope module. The active envelope module consists of three glazed chambers with advanced coatings and frames to assure a minimum thermal transmittance while allowing transparency. A fluid containing heat-absorbing nanoparticles flows inside the …central chamber and is heated up due to the impinging solar energy. Unlike other systems proposed in the past, which included transparency control systems based on complex filters and chemical processes, the absorption of the module is controlled by the variation of the thickness of the central chamber with a mechanical device. That is, varying the thickness of the central chamber, it allows controlling the absorptance of the whole system and, as a result, indoor day-lighting and thermal loads. Therefore, a new system is proposed that enables to:• Dynamically control the thermal loads and solar day-lighting. • Improve the thermal performance of building envelope and reduce the energy demand of the building. • Increase the solar fraction of the heating and cooling, and reduce the thermal losses improving the efficiency of the building. Dynamically control the thermal loads and solar day-lighting. Improve the thermal performance of building envelope and reduce the energy demand of the building. Increase the solar fraction of the heating and cooling, and reduce the thermal losses improving the efficiency of the building. The solar active device proposed in this article is protected by a Spanish patent application (Fundación Tekniker, Fundación CENER-CIEMAT, 2014 ). Show more

Keywords: Solar collector facade, architectural module, adaptive envelope, absorptance regulation, indoor comfort, dynamic control, thermal loads reduction

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150034

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 49-57, 2015

Authors: Gonzalez-Quintial, Francisco | Barrallo, Javier | Artiz-Elkarte, Ana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Almost all industrialized materials commonly employed at engineering and building construction are approximately unstretchable, metal sheets, plywood or glass. So there is no doubt about the advantages offered, mainly from the economic point of view, by the processes that use flat or developable surfaces in the resolution of doubly curved ones. Using two prototypical kinds of developable surfaces, an adaptation method of double curvature surfaces is formulated using either developable strips or planar quadrilateral surfaces. Through the geometric concept of apparent contours and by the systematization of a process inspired by traditional projective geometry an algorithm is built, using the …newest and outstanding CAD processes. They systematize and allow obtaining single-curvature strips or flat facets, in order to be able to address its construction, using materials that can be bent in one direction or rigid material with no possibility of being bent at all by simple and economical procedures. These strips obtained are from the geometrical viewpoint absolutely developable. They are patches extracted from cones or cylinders. The main subject to be developed in this paper is on one hand showing of the system and its geometric basis and on the other the exhibition of the results that are being obtained over physical models and prototypes built in diverse materials. Show more

Keywords: Freeform surfaces, double curved surfaces, developable surfaces, algorithmic approach

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150033

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 59-70, 2015

Authors: Kolaitis, Dionysios I. | Garay Martinez, Roberto | Founti, Maria A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Solar walls can be used to increase the overall energy efficiency of a building. Phase Change Materials (PCM) are capable of increasing the effective thermal mass of building elements, thus decreasing the overall energy consumption. Recently, the incorporation of PCM in a solar wall has been proposed, aiming to increase the total energy efficiency of the system. The main scope of this work is to investigate the thermal behaviour of a PCM-enhanced solar wall (PCMESW), using experimental and numerical simulation techniques. A prototype PCMESW is installed in a large-scale test facility and is exposed to dynamically changing climate conditions. A …broad range of sensors, used to monitor the time-evolution of several important physical parameters, is employed to assess the dynamic response of the PCMESW. In addition, a Computational Fluid Dynamics tool is used to numerically investigate the thermal behaviour of the PCMESW prototype. Predictions of the developing flow- and thermal-field in the PCMESW’s air cavity are validated by means of comparison with the obtained measurements; in general, good levels of agreement are observed. Results of the numerical simulations may support the design optimization process of innovative PCMESW systems. Show more

Keywords: Solar wall (SW), Trombe wall, Phase Change Materials (PCM), experimental data, CFD, simulation, building energy performance, energy savings

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150027

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 71-80, 2015

Authors: Elguezabal, P. | Garay, R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The challenges of achieving the 2020 goals in terms of energy savings and improving efficiency are guiding numerous research initiatives looking for more insulated envelopes, dealing with thermal performance of insulation materials and envelope systems. Nevertheless, the envelope integrates within the building and this improvement on the insulation performance has to be properly adopted, taking into account the interrelation of main elements composing the overall system (facade, frame, slabs, openings, partitions etc.), as well as side effects originated not only for new erected buildings, but specifically in renovation and retrofitting works. This paper describes real experiences when considering various options …for upgrading the facade through the increase of the insulation capacity, starting from external overcladding prefabricated panels and ventilated facades, advancing to more sustainable low carbon systems and ending with even more highly insulated solutions employing aerogels. Lessons from these cases, where energy and hygrothermal assessments have being carried out, demonstrate the influence of the design and construction phases and the relevance of disregarded effects such as minor thermal bridges, uncontrolled craftsmanship on site, and moisture transfer for the different technologies considered. Finally, possible alternatives are provided to overcome some of the detected difficulties, such as combination with non-metallic structural components and building membranes, and being prepared for future challenges and new developments when these isolative elements are combined with other technologies, as for example, renewable energy harvesting devices. Show more

Keywords: Thermal insulation, building envelope renovation, thermal bridges, performance under real conditions

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150032

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 81-89, 2015

Authors: Miccoli, Lorenzo | Fontana, Patrick | Silva, Nelson | Klinge, Andrea | Cederqvist, Christer | Kreft, Oliver | Qvaeschning, Dirk | Sjöström, Christer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The awareness of the environmental impact of the building sector is increasing. Steel reinforced concrete is the most commonly used construction material, though with a high-embodied energy and carbon footprint. Large environmental gains may arise if an alternative to steel reinforced concrete is developed. In this context, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) materials are shown to be promising alternatives with advantages such as lower embodied energy and reduced environmental impact. Predictions suggest that UHPC composite elements for building envelopes could have other benefits such as an increased service life, optimised use of building area due to thinner elements and minimised maintenance …due to the absence of reinforcement or use of non-corrosive reinforcing materials such as carbon fibres. In the framework of the H-HOUSE project funded by the European Commission, composite elements are developed. The aim is to create facade panels combining an autoclaved aerated concrete or cellular lightweight concrete insulation layer with an external UHPC supporting layer. To enhance occupant comfort and health, hygroscopic materials that are capable to buffer indoor air humidity shall be applied to the inside of such elements. Indoor air humidity levels are expected to be more stable, which shall subsequently improve the indoor climate and minimise potential decay to the construction. Show more

Keywords: Composite panels, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), cellular lightweight concrete (CLC), aerogel, modified earth plaster

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-150029

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 91-102, 2015