Search Results (277)

This study explores the development and optimization of TiO₂-based photoactive coatings enhanced with silver (Ag)—to boost photocatalytic performance—for application on glass-fiber-reinforced polyester (GFRP) and epoxy (GFRE) composites. The influence of Ag content on the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of the coatings was evaluated. The TiO₂-Ag coating showed the best performance and was tested under UV-A irradiation and visible light (Vis), with high efficiency in VOC degradation, self-cleaning, and microbial activity. The tests were repeated in multiple runs, showing high reproducibility in the results obtained. In GFRP, pollutant and microorganism removal ratios of more than 90% were observed. In contrast, GFRE showed a lower adhesion and stability of the coating. This result is attributed to incompatibility problems with the epoxy matrix, which significantly limited its functional performance. The results highlight the feasibility of using the TiO₂-Ag coating on GFRP substrates, even under visible light. Under real-world conditions for 351 days, the coating on GFRP maintained its stability. This type of material has high potential for application in modular building systems using sandwich panels, as well as in facades and automotive components, where self-cleaning and contaminant-control properties are essential. Full article

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

This editorial introduces the Special Issue entitled “Phase Change Materials for Building Energy Applications”, which gathers nine original research articles focused on advancing thermal energy storage solutions in the built environment. The selected contributions explore the application of phase change materials (PCMs) across a range of building components and systems, including façades, flooring, glazing, and pavements, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing peak loads, and improving thermal comfort. This Special Issue highlights both experimental and numerical investigations, ranging from nanomaterial-enhanced PCMs and solid–solid PCM glazing systems to full-scale applications and the modeling of encapsulated PCM geometries. Collectively, these studies reflect the growing potential of PCMs to support sustainable, low-carbon construction and provide new insights into material design, system optimization, and energy resilience. We thank all contributing authors and reviewers for their valuable input and hope that this Special Issue serves as a resource for ongoing innovation in the field. 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

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

Double-skin façades (DSFs) are promising sustainable design elements of buildings. However, they are prone to overheating problems in warm seasons due to high outdoor temperatures and intense solar radiation. Although phase-change material (PCM) blinds have proved to be effective at enhancing the thermal performance of DSFs, the impacts of the design parameters are crucial to the overall thermal performance of the system. This study focused on analyzing the impacts of design parameters on the thermal performance of a ventilated DSF system, which consisted of a macro-encapsulated phase-change material (PCM) blind with an aluminum shell. A simulation study was conducted using ANSYS Workbench FLUENT software, and the temperature distributions of the integrated system were compared with different blind tilt angles and ratios of cavity depth to blind width. The results show that both the blind tilt angle and ratio of cavity depth to blind width had a significant influence on the thermal performance of the DSF system. For instance, lower air-cavity temperatures within the range of 37~40 °C were achieved with the PCM blind at tilt angles of 30° and 60° compared with other selected tilt angles (0° and 90°). In terms of the cavity depth to blind width ratio, a ratio of 2.5 resulted in a lower air-cavity temperature and a better thermal performance by the DSF. With the optimal blind tilt angle and cavity depth to blind width ratio, the integrated DSF and macro-encapsulated PCM-blind system can reduce the cavity temperature by as much as 2.9 °C during the warm season. Full article

In the current context of the transition toward climate neutrality and the pressing need to reduce energy consumption in the construction sector, nZEBs have become a central benchmark in European sustainability policies. These buildings offer multiple benefits, such as reduced operational costs, enhanced thermal comfort, and improved indoor air quality. Achieving such performance requires the integration of advanced technological solutions, including passive façades with ventilated cavities. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of cavity geometry on the thermal behavior of a passive façade, through numerical simulations conducted in ANSYS Fluent 17. The study focuses on comparing five distinct configurations with varying cavity widths, aiming to identify the optimal solution in terms of heat transfer efficiency. The main contribution lies in the analysis and correlation of air temperature and velocity distributions with the cavity’s geometric parameters, highlighting the impact of channel width on thermal performance. The configuration with a 12 cm wide air channel recorded the highest heat flux at the outlet, approximately 44 times greater than the façade with a 4 cm wide channel, making it the most efficient solution. The results indicate significantly higher thermal efficiency for the configuration with a larger cavity width, contrary to initial intuitive assumptions. These insights provide a valuable framework for the optimal design of passive façades in nZEB applications and highlight the need for further research, combining numerical and experimental approaches, to develop sustainable and energy-efficient building envelope solutions. Full article

High density old districts at the urban fringes of Asian megacities, such as Shenzhen, face significant thermal challenges due to dense building clusters, limited airflow, and heat retention. This study adopts an integrated approach combining Phoenics wind simulation, geographic information system (GIS) modeling, and spatial prototype analysis to assess and optimize the wind and thermal environments in these urban areas. It investigates how spatial configurations, including building density, height distribution, orientation, and green space integration, influence wind flow and thermal comfort. The results demonstrate that optimized spatial arrangements, including reduced building density, height adjustments, and strategic landscape design, improve ventilation and temperature regulation. Comparative analyses of different spatial prototypes reveal that radial configurations effectively channel external winds into the urban core, enhancing internal airflow, whereas rectangular layouts create wind shadows that hinder ventilation. Adjustments to building façades and vertical arrangements further mitigate pedestrian-level heat accumulation. Interventions in public spaces, including green roofs and vertical greening, offer cooling benefits and mitigate urban heat island effects. This study underscores the importance of aligning urban design with natural wind flow and offers a framework for sustainable landscape and architectural strategies in high-density, heat-prone environments. The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers seeking sustainable development in similar megacities. Full article

Double skin facade (DSF) is an energy-efficient solution for glazing facades. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding thermal comfort in naturally ventilated DSF buildings. To examine this issue, this study evaluated airflow velocities in naturally ventilated DSF buildings during transition seasons through a comparative study approach. A full-scale box-type DSF room and a traditional window-wall room were simultaneously monitored in a laboratory building under real climatic conditions, with indoor environmental parameters recorded for 10 days. Airflow sensation surveys complemented the physical measurements to evaluate perceived comfort. The results showed that the DSF room consistently exhibited lower air velocities (≤0.2 m/s) compared to the traditional room, demonstrating minimal response to wind conditions related to its small openings (opening ratio of 4.7%) and increased flow resistance from the dual-layer structure of the DSF. Under unfavorable wind conditions, the DSF room demonstrated higher ventilation rates due to the enhanced stack effect. However, this advantage had a negligible effect on the thermal comfort vote for the indoor temperature range (26 °C to 28 °C). These findings highlight the climate-dependent performance of DSFs: while advantageous for thermal comfort in cooler climates, they may lead to reduced thermal comfort in warm and hot climates due to low indoor airflow velocities. Future work could include the optimization of DSF opening configurations to enhance wind-driven ventilation while maintaining stack ventilation benefits. Full article

Urban color represents the visual skin of a city, embodying regional culture, historical memory, and the contemporary spirit. However, while the existing studies focus on pedestrian-level facade colors, the “fifth facade” from a bird’s-eye view has been largely overlooked. Moreover, color distortions in traditional remote sensing imagery hinder precise analysis. This study targeted 56 Chinese coastal cities, decoding the spatiotemporal patterns of their fifth facade color (FFC). Through developing an innovative natural color optimization algorithm, the oversaturation and color bias of Sentinel-2 imageries were addressed. Several color indicators, including dominant colors, hue–saturation–value, color richness, and color harmony, were developed to analyze the spatial variations of FFC. Results revealed that FFC in Chinese coastal cities is dominated by gray, black, and brown, reflecting the commonality of cement jungles. Among them, northern warm grays exude solidity, as in Weifang, while southern cool grays convey modern elegance, as in Shenzhen. Blue PVC rooftops (e.g., Tianjin) and red-brick villages (e.g., Quanzhou) serve as symbols of industrial function and cultural heritage. Economically advanced cities (e.g., Shanghai) lead in color richness, linking vitality to visual diversity, while high-harmony cities (e.g., Lianyungang) foster livability through coordinated colors. The study also warns of color pollution risks. Cities like Qingdao exposed planning imbalances through color clashes. This research pioneers a systematic and large-scale decoding of urban fifth facade color from a remote sensing perspective, quantitatively revealing the dilemma of “identical cities” in modernization development. The findings inject color rationality into urban planning and create readable and warm city images. Full article

This paper explores the optimal configuration strategies for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in response to the low-carbon transformation needs of semi-outdoor substations, aiming to reconcile the contradiction between photovoltaic (PV) power generation efficiency and indoor environmental control in industrial buildings. Taking a 220 kV semi-outdoor substation of the China Southern Power Grid as a case study, a building energy consumption–PV power generation coupling model was established using EnergyPlus software. The impacts of three PV wall constructions and different building orientations on a transformer room and an air-conditioned living space were analyzed. The results show the EPS-filled PV structure offers superior passive thermal performance and cooling energy savings, making it more suitable for substation applications with high thermal loads. Building orientation plays a decisive role in the net energy performance, with an east–west alignment significantly enhancing the PV module’s output and energy efficiency due to better solar exposure. Based on current component costs, electricity prices, and subsidies, the BIPV system demonstrates a moderate annual return, though the relatively long payback period presents a challenge for widespread adoption. East–west orientations offer better returns due to their higher solar exposure. It is recommended to adopt east–west layouts in EPS-filled PV construction to optimize both energy performance and economic performance, while further shortening the payback period through technical and policy support. This study provides an optimized design path for industrial BIPV module integration and aids power infrastructure’s low-carbon shift. Full article

Structural instability in marine scaffold systems often causes serious economic losses and casualties. In this study, a multi-parameter coupled model was established based on the MIDAS GEN finite element analysis platform to investigate the influence mechanisms of key parameters on the overall stability of marine scaffold systems. To quantify the impact levels of the key parameters, a sensitivity analysis framework was established using an orthogonal experimental design approach and the corresponding compliance detection index and instability early-warning mechanisms were proposed. The results indicate that the overall stability of the scaffold system initially increases and then decreases with the rise in the adjustable base height. Variations in the cantilever length of the adjustable bracket within the range of 100–650 mm have no significant effect on the system’s overall stability. The absence of diagonal brace at the bottom, top, and facade ends significantly reduces structural stability. Increased vertical offset markedly degrades stability, whereas horizontal offset within ±5 mm has a negligible effect. The key parameters affecting the structural stability, ranked in descending order of significance, are as follows: absence of diagonal braces, verticality offset of the vertical bar, height of the adjustable base, horizontality offset of the horizontal bar, and cantilever length of the adjustable bracket. Finally, an early-warning assessment system for the scaffold structure was established. The research findings provide valuable guidance for optimizing marine scaffold design, enhancing construction safety, and formulating relevant standards and specifications. 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

Sustainable development requires efficient planning and management of both natural and built resources. The identification of urban forms that best balance exposure to solar radiation and urban noise, ensuring compliance with residential construction regulations and European directives may be carried out through simulations. The proposed methodology involves simulating various scenarios and adjusting parameters of selected urban forms to evaluate the availability of solar radiation and the noise exposure on building façades within a specific context. In addressing the requirements for solar and noise optimization, predictive models (solar and noise) were employed, utilizing urban form indicators to relate these three variables. The case study demonstrates the inverse behavior of these variables in relation to the same urban forms. The findings highlight the optimal urban forms for each scenario. The enclosed form was identified as the most suitable for minimizing noise exposure, while the linear form is optimal for maximizing solar radiation exposure. This approach allows the designer to make informed decisions that balance these competing requirements, achieving a compromise between optimizing thermal and acoustic performance. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall comfort of the building, reduce energy consumption, and promote a sustainable building solution. Full article