Innovative design approaches, together with software tools, are needed to deliver the future generation of energy-efficient Double Skinned Facades (DSFs), believes Dr Francesca Madeo, Senior Facade Engineer at Buro Happold.
According to Dr Madeo, new and better-focussed design approaches, and the smarter application of existing design tools to allow the integration of multiple levels of analysis, are essential if the benefits of existing DSF designs and construction materials are to be optimised – and the ‘super facades’ of the future are to be developed in line with clients’ demands for ultra energy-efficient and comfortable working environments.
Dr Madeo said “Ever since architect Mike Davies first popularised the term ‘polyvalent wall’ in the early eighties, referring to a facade that could protect a building from the sun, wind and rain, as well as provide insulation, ventilation and daylight, engineers have sought innovative design approaches.
“Facade design has never been more complex and, while we’re working hard to better understand and apply exciting design tools and maximise the performance of building materials, the super facades of tomorrow also depend on new design thinking.”
The design work for one such cutting-edge facade has just been completed for a new office building in Copenhagen, which will be the HQ for one of Denmark’s leading financial services groups, Nykredit.
Buro Happold has developed a multi-layered facade design, which incorporates varying degrees of transparency to allow the expression of the building’s elegant substructure, whilst also delivering exemplary solar-thermal performance and natural ventilation. The building will also benefit from high levels of glazing resulting in a well-lit environment.
Critically, the facade will meet an ambitious, ultra-low ‘U-value’ (thermal transmittance) of 1.0 W/m2K through the facade (statutory obligations in the UK, under Part L of the Building Regulations, only call for an average facade value of 2.2 W/m2K).
Buro Happold’s approach to the project required a precise definition of the physical boundaries of the ‘facade zone’, which was then designed to work in an integrated manner with the rest of the building. This was achieved through the consideration of the envelope as an active, multi-functional ‘skin’, which will influence the metabolism of the whole building.
The facade’s cavity will also play a large part in the overall performance of the facade zone. It will act as a buffer zone between the inside and outside, with enhanced thermal resistance due to its large width. However, it will also provide enclosure and protection to the shading system of vertical adjustable louvers, which will protect the building from solar gain in the hot season and from glare when the sun is low.
Buro Happold has worked closely with architect Schmidt Hammer Lassen on the ground-breaking and high-performance design, as well as with local consultant Carl Bro on building services. The build contract is currently out to tender.
Ends
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Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976. We now employ over 1,700 staff in 21 offices worldwide. Our aim is to produce high quality engineering design in concept, in detail and in execution, on time, to programme and delivering excellent value for money. Our distinctive culture and ethos is still based on the same principles of care, value and elegance that were established when the practice was founded.
We offer structural, building services, civil, infrastructure and façade engineering, as well as a broad range of specialist consultancy services including sustainability, ground and environmental engineering, fire and security design, health and safety management, inclusive and urban design, project management, and specialist CAD and computer simulation provision.
