Search Results (135)

This review investigates the role of building windows in supporting occupant well-being through access to natural views and daylight. This review synthesizes recent interdisciplinary research from environmental psychology, building science, and human physiology to examine how windows impact cognitive performance, psychological restoration, and circadian health. Drawing on 304 peer-reviewed studies from 2000 to 2024, the review identifies two core pathways: visual effects—related to daylight availability, glare control, and view quality—and non-visual effects—linked to circadian entrainment and neuroendocrine regulation via ipRGCs. These effects interact yet compete, necessitating a multi-objective optimization approach. This paper evaluates commonly used metrics for visual comfort, circadian-effective lighting, and view quality and discusses their integration in design frameworks. The review also highlights the potential of adaptive facade technologies and artificial window systems to balance human-centered lighting goals with energy efficiency. A research roadmap is proposed to support future integrative design strategies that optimize both visual and non-visual outcomes in diverse architectural contexts. Full article

The construction industry is one of the main areas of energy consumption and carbon emissions, and strengthening research on the thermal performance of building facades can effectively promote energy conservation and emission reduction. Compared with traditional static enclosure structures, dynamic skin can adapt its functions, characteristics, and methods based on constantly changing environmental conditions and performance requirements. It has great potential in adapting to the environment, reducing energy consumption, adjusting shading and natural ventilation, and improving human thermal and visual comfort. To comprehensively understand the key technologies of dynamic skin energy-saving design, previous research results were comprehensively compiled from relevant databases. The research results indicate that various types of dynamic skins, intelligent materials, multi-layer facades, dynamic shading, and biomimetic facades are commonly used core technologies for dynamic facades. Parametric modeling, computer simulation, and multi-objective algorithms are commonly used to optimize the performance of dynamic skin. In addition, integrated technology design, interaction design, and lifecycle design should be effective methods for improving dynamic skin energy efficiency, resident satisfaction, and economic benefits. Despite current challenges, dynamic skin energy-saving technology remains one of the most effective solutions for future sustainable building design. Full article

The construction sector presently consumes about 40% of global energy and generates 36% of CO₂ emissions, making facade retrofits a priority for decarbonising buildings. This review clarifies how ventilated facades (VFs), wall assemblies that interpose a ventilated air cavity between outer cladding and the insulated structure, address that challenge. First, the paper categorises VFs by structural configuration, ventilation strategy and functional control into four principal families: double-skin, rainscreen, hybrid/adaptive and active–passive systems, with further extensions such as BIPV, PCM and green-wall integrations that couple energy generation or storage with envelope performance. Heat-transfer analysis shows that the cavity interrupts conductive paths, promotes buoyancy- or wind-driven convection, and curtails radiative exchange. Key design parameters, including cavity depth, vent-area ratio, airflow velocity and surface emissivity, govern this balance, while hybrid ventilation offers the most excellent peak-load mitigation with modest energy input. A synthesis of simulation and field studies indicates that properly detailed VFs reduce envelope cooling loads by 20–55% across diverse climates and cut winter heating demand by 10–20% when vents are seasonally managed or coupled with heat-recovery devices. These thermal benefits translate into steadier interior surface temperatures, lower radiant asymmetry and fewer drafts, thereby expanding the hours occupants remain within comfort bands without mechanical conditioning. Climate-responsive guidance emerges in tropical and arid regions, favouring highly ventilated, low-absorptance cladding; temperate and continental zones gain from adaptive vents, movable insulation or PCM layers; multi-skin adaptive facades promise balanced year-round savings by re-configuring in real time. Overall, the review demonstrates that VFs constitute a versatile, passive-plus platform for low-carbon buildings, simultaneously enhancing energy efficiency, durability and indoor comfort. Future advances in smart controls, bio-based materials and integrated energy-recovery systems are poised to unlock further performance gains and accelerate the sector’s transition to net-zero. Emerging multifunctional materials such as phase-change composites, nanostructured coatings, and perovskite-integrated systems also show promise in enhancing facade adaptability and energy responsiveness. Full article

A wave of energy efficiency-focused activity has spread across Europe in recent years, with ambitious goals for improving the energy performance of existing buildings through various directives. Among these existing buildings, there are older structures with heritage-protected facades. Some of the protected facades consist of timber plank frame walls, which were common in Norway in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Internal insulation is an option for increasing the energy efficiency of such walls while preserving their protected facades. However, this approach alters the moisture performance of the wall and introduces a potential risk for mould growth, which must be assessed. To better understand the performance of these walls, the $s_d$ values of traditional types of building paper have been tested, as timber plank frame walls comprise vertical planks covered in building paper. In addition, the risk of mould growth in timber plank frame walls has been evaluated using the one-dimensional simulation tool WUFI^® Pro by modelling the wall with internal retrofitting and varying input parameters. The types of building paper used have a wide range of vapour resistance values (diffusion-equivalent air layer thicknesses, $s_d$ values), which range from 0.008 m to 5.293 m. Adding 50 mm of interior insulation generally resulted in a low risk of mould growth, except in cases involving the use of a moisture-adaptive vapour barrier (MAVB). The MAVB did not result in an acceptable mould growth risk in any of the tested scenarios. Full article

The integration of energy-active elements into the building envelope in the form of large-area heating/cooling, active thermal protection (ATP), thermal barriers (TB), and TABS represents a technical solution that is consistent with the principles of energy sustainability, resilience, and adaptability to climate change and ensures affordable and clean energy for all while protecting the climate in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The aim and innovation of our research is to develop energy multifunctional facades (EMFs) that are capable of performing a dual role, which includes the primary known energy functions of end elements and the additional innovative ability to serve as a source of heat/cooling/electricity. This new function of EMFs will facilitate heat dissipation from overheated facade surfaces, preheating of hot water, and electricity generation for the operation of building energy systems through integrated photovoltaic components. The theoretical assumptions and hypotheses presented in our previous research work must be verified by experimental measurements with predictions of the optimal operation of building energy systems. Most existing studies on thermal barriers are based on calculations. However, there are few empirical measurements that quantify the benefits of ATP in real operation and specify the conditions under which different types of ATP are feasible. In this article, we present the development, design, and implementation of an experimental prototype of a prefabricated building module with integrated energy-active elements. The aim is to fill the knowledge gaps by providing a comprehensive framework that includes the development, research, design, and implementation of combined energy systems for buildings. The design of energy systems will be developed in BIM. An important result of this research is the development of a technological process for the implementation of a contact insulation system with integrated ATP in modular and panel buildings with a lightweight envelope. Full article

The stylistic emulation of historical building facades presents significant challenges for artificial intelligence (AI), particularly for complex and data-scarce styles like Krakow’s Eclecticism. This study aims to develop a methodological framework for a “typological transcoding” of style that moves beyond mere visual mimicry, which is crucial for heritage preservation and urban renewal. The proposed methodology integrates architectural typology with Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) for fine-tuning a Stable Diffusion (SD) model. This process involves a typology-guided preparation of a curated dataset (150 images) and precise control of training parameters. The resulting typologically guided LoRA-tuned model demonstrates significant performance improvements over baseline models. Quantitative analysis shows a 24.6% improvement in Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) and a 7.0% improvement in Learned Perceptual Image Patch Similarity (LPIPS). Furthermore, qualitative evaluations by 68 experts confirm superior realism and stylistic accuracy. The findings indicate that this synergy enables data-efficient, typology-grounded stylistic emulation, highlighting AI’s potential as a creative partner for nuanced reinterpretation. However, achieving deeper semantic understanding and robust 3D inference remains an ongoing challenge. Full article

Urban thermal environments, characterized by the interplay between indoor and outdoor conditions, pose growing challenges in high-density coastal cities. This study proposes a multi-scale, integrative framework that couples a satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST) analysis with microscale building performance simulations to holistically evaluate the high-density urban thermal environment in subtropical climates. The results reveal that compact, high-density morphologies reduce outdoor heat stress (UTCI) through self-shading but lead to significantly higher cooling loads, energy use intensity (EUI), and poorer daylight autonomy (DA) due to restricted ventilation and limited sky exposure. In contrast, more open, vegetation-rich forms improve ventilation and reduce indoor energy demand, yet exhibit higher UTCI values in exposed areas and increased lighting energy use in poorly oriented spaces. This study also proposes actionable design strategies, including optimal building spacing (≥15 m), façade orientation (30–60° offset from west), SVF regulation (0.4–0.6), and the integration of vertical greenery to balance solar access, ventilation, and shading. These findings offer evidence-based guidance for embedding morphological performance metrics into planning policies and building design codes. This work advances the integration of outdoor and indoor performance evaluation and supports climate-adaptive urban form design through quantitative, policy-relevant insights. Full article

The design and construction of adaptive façades have garnered increasing attention as a means to enhance the energy performance and sustainability of high-rise residential buildings. Adaptive façades can dynamically respond to environmental conditions, reducing reliance on energy-intensive systems and improving occupant comfort. Despite their potential, research on adaptive façade systems in the context of high-rise residential buildings, particularly in Australia, remains limited. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying the key design parameters, challenges, and optimisation methods for adaptive façades. Through a combination of a comprehensive literature review and 15 semi-structured interviews with industry experts, this research provides insights into the design and performance of adaptive façades. The key findings reveal that the successful implementation of adaptive façades depends on a range of factors, including material choices, shading system typologies, and advanced simulation tools for energy performance analysis. A significant outcome of the study is the development of a conceptual framework that incorporates these design elements with environmental factors and building energy simulation, offering a structured approach to optimise adaptive façade performance. The framework assists architects and engineers in creating energy-efficient, sustainable high-rise residential buildings tailored to the Australian context. Additionally, the study highlights critical challenges, such as financial barriers, regulatory gaps, and the need for improved maintenance strategies, which must be addressed to facilitate the broader adoption of adaptive façades in the residential sector. Full article

Most of the developed and studied service robots for vertical locomotion, as visual inspection, are made up by a rigid body with legs, wheels, or both. Thus, the robot can only displace over regular and/or flat surfaces since it is not able to adapt to the irregularities and projections of the wall. Therefore, this paper presents the design and analysis of an adaptable robot for vertical locomotion service tasks, which has a body made up of four wheeled legs that can easily adapt to the different irregularities and projections of building facades. The robot uses an Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) as the vortex adhesion system. Each leg has a rubber cover, which allows a higher mechanical adaptability of the robot over different irregularities of the wall. Theoretical backgrounds and open issues are addressed by considering some challenging problems such as mechanical adaptability modeling as well as kinematic and static analysis. Laser sensors are mounted over the robot to measure the adaptability of the robot, between the legs and body, at each time of the experimental tests for vertical locomotion. Full article

In the context of global energy challenges, adaptive shading systems have emerged as pivotal components in building energy efficiency research. This study systematically evaluates critical performance factors influencing energy efficiency in adaptive shading systems for buildings located in hot summer and cold winter climate zones, with a focus on parametric optimization of shading panel configurations. Through field measurements, orthogonal experimental design, and numerical simulations, this investigation centers on the adaptive shading system of a nearly zero energy building (NZEB). Four critical parameters—shading panel width, panel-to-window clearance, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), and surface reflectance—were rigorously analyzed through orthogonal experimental methodology and DesignBuilder^® simulations. This study identifies WWR and shading panel reflectance as the key factors for optimizing adaptive shading systems. Among the scenarios evaluated, the highest energy efficiency was achieved with horizontal shading devices on the south façade, featuring a panel width of 500 mm, a minimum clearance of 150 mm, a WWR of 55%, and a surface reflectance of 0.4. Under this configuration, the annual energy consumption was reduced to 8312.37 kWh, corresponding to a 2.1% decrease (8.31 MWh) in total site energy consumption (TSEC). This research provides valuable insights for energy-efficient building design in hot summer and cold winter regions, and supports the broader adoption of adaptive shading systems. Full article

Building facade insulation technologies have evolved from primitive thermal barriers to high-performance, multifunctional systems that enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Historical insulation methods, such as thick masonry walls and timber-based construction, have gradually been replaced by advanced materials and innovative facade designs. Studies indicate that a significant proportion of a building’s heat loss occurs through its external walls and windows, highlighting the need for effective insulation strategies. The development of double-skin facades (D-SFSs), adaptive facades (AFs), and green facades has enabled substantial reductions in heating and cooling energy demands. Materials such as vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), aerogels, and phase change materials (PCMs) have demonstrated superior thermal resistance, contributing to improved thermal regulation and reduced carbon emissions. Green facades offer additional benefits by lowering surface temperatures and mitigating urban heat island effects, while D-SF configurations can reduce cooling loads by over 20% in warm climates. Despite these advancements, challenges remain regarding the initial investment costs, durability, and material sustainability. The future of facade insulation technologies is expected to focus on bio-based and recyclable insulation materials, enhanced thermal performance, and climate-responsive facade designs. This study provides a comprehensive review of historical and modern facade insulation technologies, examining their impact on energy efficiency, sustainability, and future trends in architectural design. Full article

This study focuses on how modern architecture can be interpreted using regional data and how hot and humid climate data ultimately affect façade design. Despite modernism’s dominance in 20th-century architecture, research on its adaptation to climates remains limited. Five educational buildings of modern architectural style in Adana, Türkiye, a city with a hot–humid climate, were selected for detailed analysis. These buildings were evaluated based on key façade parameters such as opening configurations and solar shading elements. Additionally, thermal imaging, sun-path diagram simulation, and thermal comfort evaluations were conducted to assess façade performance. The findings suggest that contrary to criticisms of modern architecture’s disregard for local conditions, the studied buildings integrate climate-responsive design strategies. In contrast to contemporary architecture’s reliance on technical equipment for thermal comfort, this study also demonstrates that passive design strategies and structural decisions can offer effective alternatives in hot and humid climates. Full article

Rising temperatures are intensifying residential cooling demands in hot–arid regions, with national building codes playing a pivotal role in mitigating these effects. This study evaluates the energy performance of two high-density residential buildings, Noor City in Cairo and Banan City in Riyadh, using DesignBuilder version 7.0.2.006 simulations for 2023, 2050, and 2080 under RCP 4.5 projections, followed by comparative and code-swapping analysis that assessed the role of envelope design parameters. All parameters were constant, except for those dictated by each country’s code. Results show that under future climate conditions, cooling loads in the uninsulated Noor City rise by 69% by 2080, compared to a 32% increase in Banan City. A code-swapping analysis confirmed the regulatory impact; applying the Saudi envelope to Noor City reduced annual energy use by over 40%, while using the Egyptian code in Banan City increased it by more than 50%. Solar exposure analysis further revealed that Noor City’s unshaded façades contribute to elevated thermal loads. Additionally, a 20.48 kWp rooftop photovoltaic system offsets 32:35% of annual energy consumption in both cases. While operational benefits are evident, no full life cycle cost (LCC) analysis was conducted; future studies should address economic feasibility to guide code adaptation in lower-income contexts. Full article

Adaptive façades, also known as climate-adaptive building shells (CABSs), could make a significant contribution towards reducing the energy consumption of buildings and their environmental impacts. There is extensive research on glazed adaptive façades, mainly due to the available technology for glass materials. The technological development of opaque adaptive façades has focused on variable-thermal-resistance envelopes, and the simulation of this type of façade is a challenging task that has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to configure and validate a simplified office model that could be used for simulating an adaptive façade with variable thermal resistance via adaptive insulation thickness in its opaque part. Software-to-software model comparison based on the results of an EnergyPlus Building Energy Simulation Test 900 (BesTest 900)-validated model was used. Cooling and heating annual energy demand (kWh), peak cooling and heating (kW), and maximum, minimum, and average annual hourly zone temperature variables were compared for both the Adaptive and non-adaptive validated model. An Adaptive EnergyPlus model based on the BesTest 900 model, which uses the EnergyPlus SurfaceControl:MovableInsulation class list, was successfully validated and could be used for studying office buildings with a variable-thermal-resistance adaptive façade wall configuration, equivalent to a heavyweight mass wall construction with an External Insulation Finishing System (EIFS). An example of the Adaptive model in the Denver location is included in this paper. Annual savings of up to 26% in total energy demand (heating + cooling) was achieved and could reach up to 54% when electro-chromic (EC) glass commanded by a rule-based algorithm was added to the glazed part of the variable-thermal-resistance adaptive façade. Full article

With the intensification of global climate change, buildings in hot climate zones face increasing challenges related to high energy consumption and thermal comfort. Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façades, which combine power generation and energy saving potential, require further optimization in their climate-adaptive design. Most existing studies primarily focus on the photoelectric conversion efficiency of PV modules, yet there is a lack of systematic analysis of the coupled effects of temperature, humidity, and solar radiation intensity on PV performance. Moreover, the current literature rarely addresses the regional material degradation patterns, integrated cooling solutions, or intelligent control systems suitable for hot and humid climates. There is also a lack of practical, climate specific design guidelines that connect theoretical technologies with real world applications. This paper systematically reviews BIPV façade design strategies following a climate zoning framework, summarizing research progress from 2019 to 2025 in the areas of material innovation, thermal management, light regulation strategies, and parametric design. A climate responsive strategy is proposed to address the distinct challenges of humid hot and dry hot climates. Finally, this study discusses the barriers and challenges of BIPV system applications in hot climates and highlights future research directions. Unlike previous reviews, this paper offers a multi-dimensional synthesis that integrates climatic classification, material suitability, passive and active cooling strategies, and intelligent optimization technologies. It further provides regionally differentiated recommendations for façade design and outlines a unified framework to guide future research and practical deployment of BIPV systems in hot climates. Full article