Environmental impacts of ventilation and solar control systems in double skin facade office buildings

Buildings are one of the important energy consuming sectors. The increasing environmental awareness has triggered a great emphasis on sustainable design in the current global building industry. Since the past century, there has been a distinct growing trend in the use of fully glazed facade in office buildings. This paper discussed and analysed how solar control and natural ventilation systems can be integrated into double skin facade systems to minimise the environmental impacts. Sun shading should be considered as an integral part of fenestration system design that is adapted into the facade design of office buildings. The technology of facade systems that integrate solar control and ventilation systems encompasses a wide range of strategies resulting in energy efficient building design. Such facade systems minimise overheating and excessive solar gains during summer whilst increasing direct solar gains during winter to minimise the use of mechanical heating. Through case studies, this paper examines the performances of different double skin facades systems. Evaluations and recommendations are made to enhance the future designs of glass facade systems