HAWASSA UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

BUILDING MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION IV

BUILDING FACADE

Group Name
Bayu Nigusse 0537/14
Dagmawit Teshome 0734/13
Deborah Melkamu 0963/14
Etsub Mesfin 1216/14
Fozia Mehdi 1365/14
Reyan Ahmed 2598/14

TO: Lecturer Esubalew Yayena (MSc.)

10, June 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION 1

DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE 3

TYPES OF DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE 5

BENEFITS OF DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE 7

CASE STUDIES AND EXAMPLES (DSF) 9

DESIGN CONSIDERATTIONS AND CHALLENGES 12

(DSF)

SINGLE SKIN FAÇADE 14

TYPES OF SINGLE SKIN FAÇADE 15

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERSTICS OF 18

SINGLE SKIN FACADE

CASE STUDIES AND EXAMPLES (SSF)19

DESIGN CONSIDERATTIONS AND CHALLENGES 20

(SSF)

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS 22

SUSTAINABILITY IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS23

CONCLUSION 24

REFERENCES 25

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 INTRODUCTION

The building facade is the critical interface between the interior and exterior environments,
playing a pivotal role in determining the energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and overall
performance of a structure. The design of building facades has evolved significantly over the
past few decades, driven by the growing emphasis on sustainable architecture and the need to
create high-performing, energy-efficient buildings.

Two prominent facade approaches that have emerged in this context are double skin facades and
single skin facades. These two distinct facade systems offer unique design strategies,
performance characteristics, and applications, each with its own set of advantages and
challenges. Understanding the intricacies of these facade types is crucial for architects,
engineers, and building professionals to make informed decisions and develop innovative,
context-appropriate building envelope solutions.

This assignment aims to provide an in-depth exploration of double skin facades and single skin
facades, delving into their respective typologies, benefits, design considerations, and
comparative analysis. By examining these facade systems in detail, the goal is to equip the reader
with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles, design approaches, and
performance outcomes associated with each system.

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 DOUBLE SKIN FACADES

A double skin facade is a building envelope system consisting of two parallel layers of glass or
other transparent materials, with an air cavity or space between them. This design creates a
buffer zone that provides thermal, acoustic, and environmental benefits to the building. The outer
layer of the double skin facade shields the building from direct sunlight, wind, and rain, while
the inner layer acts as a thermal barrier and helps regulate indoor climate conditions.

The air cavity between the two layers of the facade can be ventilated or left as a static space,
depending on the specific design and functional requirements. In some cases, the air cavity may
also accommodate shading devices, blinds, or other elements to further control solar heat gain
and glare.

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Double skin facades are known for their ability to improve energy efficiency by reducing heating
and cooling loads, enhancing natural ventilation, and providing opportunities for passive solar
heating and day lighting. Additionally, they can offer acoustic insulation and contribute to the
aesthetic appeal of a building.

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The design and implementation of a double skin facade require careful consideration of factors
such as local climate conditions, building orientation, maintenance requirements, and integration
with mechanical systems. When properly designed and executed, a double skin facade can be an
effective strategy for optimizing building performance and enhancing occupant comfort.

TYPES OF DOUBLE SKIN FACADES

There are several types of double skin facades that vary based on their design, construction, and
functionality. Some common types include:

1. Active Double Skin Facade: This type of double skin facade incorporates mechanical
systems, such as fans or louvers, to actively control airflow and ventilation within the cavity
between the two layers. These systems can help regulate indoor climate conditions and improve
energy efficiency.

2. Passive Double Skin Facade: A passive double skin facade relies on natural ventilation
and thermal effects to enhance building performance. It typically does not include mechanical
systems but instead relies on the design of the facade and the building's orientation to optimize
airflow and thermal comfort.

3. Integrated Double Skin Facade: An integrated double skin facade combines the double
skin system with other building elements, such as shading devices, solar panels, or greenery.
This type of facade offers additional benefits, such as solar energy generation or improved
aesthetics.

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4. Perforated Double Skin Facade: In a perforated double skin facade, one or both layers of
the facade feature perforations or openings that allow for airflow and daylight penetration. This
design can enhance natural ventilation and daylighting while providing visual interest.

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5. Dynamic Double Skin Facade: A dynamic double skin facade includes movable or
adjustable elements, such as operable windows, louvers, or blinds that can be controlled to
respond to changing environmental conditions. This type of facade offers flexibility in managing
solar heat gain, glare, and ventilation.

6. Hybrid Double Skin Facade: A hybrid double skin facade combines elements of different
types of double skin facades to achieve specific performance goals. For example, a hybrid facade
may incorporate both active and passive strategies to optimize energy efficiency and occupant
comfort.

Each type of double skin facade has its own advantages and considerations, and the selection of
the most suitable type depends on factors such as climate, building function, design goals, and
budget constraints. Proper design and integration of a double skin facade are essential to
maximize its benefits and ensure optimal performance.

BENEFITS OF DOUBLE SKIN FACADES

Double skin facades offer several benefits that can enhance building performance, occupant
comfort, and energy efficiency. Some of the key advantages of double skin facades include:

1. Improved Thermal Performance: Double skin facades provide an additional layer of

insulation, which helps reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.
This can lead to improved thermal comfort for occupants and reduced heating and cooling
energy consumption.

2. Natural Ventilation: Double skin facades can be designed to facilitate natural ventilation
by allowing fresh air to enter the building through operable windows or vents in the facade
cavity. This can help maintain indoor air quality, regulate temperature, and reduce the need for
mechanical ventilation systems.

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3. Day lighting: Double skin facades can be optimized to allow natural daylight to penetrate
deeper into the building, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and creating a more visually
comfortable indoor environment. This can also contribute to energy savings and enhance
occupant well-being.

4. Solar Control: By incorporating shading devices, coatings, or glazing with specific

properties, double skin facades can help control solar heat gain and glare, improving thermal
comfort and reducing the need for cooling systems during hot weather.

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5. Acoustic Insulation: The double layer of glass or other materials in a double skin facade
can provide enhanced sound insulation, reducing noise from the exterior environment and
improving indoor acoustic comfort.

6. Aesthetic Appeal: Double skin facades offer architects and designers opportunities for
creative expression and unique building aesthetics. The facade design can be customized with
different materials, colors, textures, and patterns to enhance the building's visual appeal.

7. Energy Efficiency: Overall, double skin facades can contribute to improved energy
efficiency in buildings by reducing heating and cooling loads, optimizing natural light and
ventilation, and enhancing thermal comfort for occupants. This can lead to lower energy
consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact over the building's lifecycle.

While double skin facades offer numerous benefits, it is important to consider factors such as
design, maintenance, cost, and climate conditions when implementing this facade system to
ensure optimal performance and long-term sustainability.

CASE STUDIES AND EXAMPLES

Several case studies and examples of well-designed double skin facade projects will be
presented, accompanied by detailed diagrams, sketches, and photographs to illustrate the design
principles and performance characteristics. These case studies will highlight the successful
implementation of different double skin facade typologies in various climatic regions and
building types.

1. 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), London, UK: This iconic skyscraper designed by
Foster + Partners features a distinctive double skin facade that contributes to its energy efficiency
and aesthetic appeal. The outer layer consists of a grid structural system with triangular panels,
while the inner layer provides thermal insulation and shading. The cavity between the two layers
allows for natural ventilation and reduces solar heat gain.

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2. Sino-Steel International Plaza, Tianjin, China: Designed by MAD Architects, this
mixed-use development incorporates a double skin facade with an undulating pattern that creates
a dynamic visual effect. The facade design includes operable windows within the cavity to
promote natural ventilation and thermal comfort, while also enhancing the building's
architectural character.

3. The Crystal, London, UK: This sustainable building designed by Wilkinson Eyre features
a double skin facade that incorporates an outer layer of ETFE cushions and an inner layer of
glass. The facade system helps regulate interior temperatures, maximize natural light penetration,
and reduce energy consumption. The building serves as an exhibition space and conference
center focused on sustainable urban development.

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4. Aurora Place, Sydney, Australia: Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop in
collaboration with Architects, this high-rise office tower utilizes a double skin facade to optimize
day lighting and minimize solar heat gain. The facade system consists of an outer layer of glass
sunshades and an inner layer of glazing, contributing to the building's energy efficiency and
occupant comfort.

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5. Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE: These twin office buildings designed by Aedas
Architects feature a responsive facade system inspired by traditional Islamic architecture. The
dynamic double skin facade incorporates automated shading panels that adjust based on the sun's
position to reduce solar heat gain and glare, while allowing for natural ventilation and day
lighting.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND CHALLANGES

Designing a double skin facade involves several considerations and challenges, including
architectural, structural, environmental, and performance-related aspects. Here are some key
factors to take into account when designing a double skin facade:

1. Energy Performance: One of the primary objectives of a double skin facade is to enhance
the energy efficiency of a building. The design should optimize thermal insulation, minimize
solar heat gain, and promote natural ventilation to reduce the building's reliance on mechanical
heating, cooling, and lighting systems.

2. Climate and Location: The local climate and site-specific conditions play a critical role in
determining the design of the double skin facade. Factors such as solar exposure, prevailing
winds, temperature fluctuations, and humidity levels need to be carefully evaluated to ensure that
the facade system responds effectively to these environmental variables.

3. Facade Materials and Components: Selecting appropriate materials for the outer and
inner layers of the facade, as well as any additional components such as shading devices,
operable windows, or ventilation openings, requires careful consideration. The materials should

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be durable, weather-resistant, and capable of providing thermal and acoustic insulation as well as
visual appeal.

4. Structural Integration: Integrating the double skin facade with the building's structural
system while maintaining structural stability and load-bearing capacity is a critical challenge.
The facade design must accommodate structural movements, wind loads, and seismic forces
without compromising the building's overall integrity.

5. Maintenance and Accessibility: Access for cleaning, maintenance, and repairs of the
double skin facade components should be carefully planned to ensure that the system remains
functional and visually appealing over time. This may involve incorporating access points,
maintenance tracks, or specialized equipment for facade upkeep.

6. Acoustic Performance: The double skin facade should provide effective sound insulation
to minimize external noise transmission into the building while also controlling reverberation
within the cavity between the layers.

7. Aesthetics and Architectural Expression: The design of the double skin facade should
contribute to the overall architectural identity of the building while also responding to contextual
considerations and design intent. Balancing aesthetic aspirations with functional requirements is
a key challenge in achieving a successful facade design.

8. Operational Considerations: Incorporating operable elements within the double skin

facade, such as windows or shading devices requires careful coordination with building
occupants' needs, user comfort, and control mechanisms to optimize indoor environmental
quality.

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 SINGLE SKIN FAÇADE

A single skin facade refers to a building envelope system consisting of a single layer of material
that separates the interior of a building from the external environment. This layer can be
composed of various materials such as glass, metal panels, masonry, or other cladding materials.
Unlike double skin facades, which have an outer and inner layer with a ventilated cavity in
between, a single skin facade does not have this intermediate space. Single skin facades are a
more traditional and simpler form of building envelope, and they play a crucial role in regulating
heat gain, light transmission, and weather protection for the building's interior spaces.

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 TYPES OF SINGLE SKIN FAÇADE
There are several types of single skin facades that can be used in building design. Some common
types include:

1. Glass Facades: These facades consist of large glass panels that provide transparency and
allow natural light to enter the building. They can be tinted or coated to control solar heat gain.

2. Metal Panel Facades: These facades use metal panels, such as aluminum or steel, to create
a durable and aesthetically pleasing exterior. Metal panels can be customized with different
finishes and patterns.

3. Stone or Masonry Facades: Stone or masonry facades use materials like brick, stone, or
concrete to create a solid and durable exterior. These facades can provide thermal mass and
insulation properties.

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4. Composite Panel Facades: Composite panels are made of two or more materials
combined together, such as aluminum and plastic. They offer a lightweight and versatile option
for facade design.

5. Fiber Cement Facades: Fiber cement facades use a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose
fibers to create a durable and fire-resistant exterior. They can be molded into different shapes and
textures.

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6. Terracotta Facades: Terracotta facades use clay-based ceramic tiles to create an
aesthetically pleasing and durable exterior. These tiles can be glazed or unglazed and come in
various colors and shapes.

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7. Precast Concrete Facades: Precast concrete panels are manufactured off-site and then
installed on the building's facade. They offer a cost-effective and durable option for single skin
facades.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERSTICS OF SINGLE SKIN FACADE

Single skin facades offer various performance characteristics that can impact a building's energy
efficiency, comfort, and overall functionality. Some key performance characteristics of single
skin facades include:

1. Thermal Insulation: Single skin facades can provide thermal insulation to help regulate
indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. The choice of
facade material and insulation properties can impact the overall thermal performance of the
building envelope.

2. Solar Heat Gain Control: Depending on the orientation of the building and the type of
glazing used, single skin facades can control solar heat gain to minimize overheating in summer
and maximize passive solar heating in winter. Low-emissivity coatings, shading devices, and
reflective materials can help manage solar heat gain.

3. Day lighting: Single skin facades with large windows or glass panels can maximize natural
day lighting, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Proper design and placement
of windows can optimize daylight penetration while minimizing glare and heat gain.

4. Acoustic Performance: Single skin facades can provide sound insulation to reduce noise
transmission from the exterior environment into interior spaces. The choice of facade material,
thickness, and construction details can impact the acoustic performance of the building envelope.

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5. Airtightness: Ensuring airtight construction of single skin facades is essential to prevent air
leakage and improve energy efficiency. Proper sealing of joints, windows, and doors can
enhance the airtightness of the building envelope and reduce heat loss.

6. Durability and Maintenance: Single skin facades should be designed to withstand

environmental conditions, such as wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Durable facade
materials and finishes can minimize maintenance requirements and ensure long-term
performance.

7. Fire Resistance: Depending on the building code requirements and fire safety regulations,
single skin facades may need to meet specific fire resistance ratings. Fire-resistant materials and
construction details can enhance the safety of the building envelope in case of a fire.

Overall, the performance characteristics of single skin facades play a crucial role in enhancing
building sustainability, occupant comfort, and operational efficiency. Proper design, material
selection, and construction practices are essential to optimize the performance of single skin
facades in building design.

CASE STUDIES AND EXAMPLES

1. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi features a unique single skin dome-shaped facade composed of
geometric patterns inspired by traditional Islamic architecture. The intricate design of the metal
lattice allows diffused natural light to filter through, creating a visually stunning effect while
controlling solar heat gain. The single skin facade provides thermal insulation and contributes to
the museum's sustainable design by reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.

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2. One Central Park, Sydney, Australia
- One Central Park is a mixed-use development with a striking single skin facade featuring
vertical gardens and greenery integrated into the building envelope. The facade incorporates a
combination of glass panels and living plants, providing natural shading, thermal insulation, and
visual appeal. The innovative use of vegetation in the single skin facade contributes to the
building's environmental sustainability and urban biodiversity.

These case studies showcase the diverse applications and benefits of single skin facades in
architectural design, including energy efficiency, day lighting, thermal performance, and
aesthetic considerations. Each example demonstrates how single skin facades can be tailored to
specific climatic conditions and design objectives to create sustainable and visually engaging
built environments.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND CHALLENGES

When designing buildings with single skin facades, architects and engineers need to take into
account several key considerations and address potential challenges to ensure the optimal
performance and functionality of the facade system. Here are some design considerations and
challenges associated with single skin facades:

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1. Thermal Performance: One of the primary challenges with single skin facades is managing
thermal performance. Without the insulation provided by a double skin or ventilated facade,
single skin facades may be prone to heat loss in cold climates and heat gain in hot climates.
Designers must carefully select materials, coatings, and glazing types to control solar heat gain
and minimize thermal bridging.

2. Day lighting and Glare Control: Maximizing natural daylight while minimizing glare
and solar heat gain is a critical consideration in single skin facade design. The selection of
glazing properties, such as visible light transmittance and solar heat gain coefficients, as well as
the use of shading devices, can help achieve optimal daylighting levels and occupant comfort.

3. Acoustic Performance: Single skin facades may offer less acoustic insulation compared to
double skin or cavity wall systems. Designers need to consider the potential impact of external
noise on building occupants and implement sound attenuation measures, such as using
acoustically optimized glass and incorporating additional internal insulation.

4. Moisture Management: Proper moisture control is essential to prevent water infiltration

and condensation within the building envelope. Designers should consider factors such as vapor
barriers, weather tight seals, and adequate drainage systems to mitigate moisture-related issues in
single skin facades.

5. Structural Integrity: The structural integrity of single skin facade systems must be carefully
evaluated to ensure they can withstand wind loads, seismic forces, and other environmental
stresses. Designers need to select appropriate support systems and anchoring methods to
maintain the stability and safety of the facade.

6. Aesthetics and Visual Impact: Single skin facades offer opportunities for creative
architectural expression and visual appeal. Designers must balance aesthetic considerations with
functional requirements, ensuring that the facade design aligns with the building's overall
architectural concept while meeting performance objectives.

7. Maintenance and Cleaning: Access for maintenance, cleaning, and repair of single skin
facades can be challenging, especially for tall or complex building geometries. Designers should
consider the practicality of access solutions and the long-term maintenance requirements of the
facade materials and components.

By addressing these design considerations and challenges, architects and engineers can develop
single skin facade solutions that offer energy efficiency, visual appeal, occupant comfort, and
long-term durability in a wide range of architectural contexts.

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 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
A comparative analysis of double skin facades and single skin facades can provide valuable
insights into the advantages, disadvantages, and performance characteristics of each facade type.
Here's a comparison of the two facade systems across several key parameters:

1. Thermal Performance:
- Single Skin: Lower thermal performance.

- Double Skin: Enhanced thermal insulation.

2. Day lighting and Glare Control:

- Single Skin: Limited control over glare and day lighting.

- Double Skin: Better control with adjustable shading elements.

3. Acoustic Performance:
- Single Skin: Less effective acoustic insulation.

- Double Skin: Superior acoustic performance.

4. Moisture Management:
- Single Skin: Requires careful weatherproofing.

- Double Skin: Improved moisture control.

5. Structural Integrity:
- Single Skin: Requires robust structural support.

- Double Skin: Inherent structural stability.

6. Aesthetics and Visual Impact:

- Single Skin: Versatile design options.

- Double Skin: Visually striking architectural expressions.

7. Maintenance and Cleaning:

- Single Skin: Easier access for maintenance.

- Double Skin: Requires specialized cleaning and maintenance.

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In conclusion, single skin facades offer design flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while double
skin facades excel in thermal performance, acoustic insulation, and environmental control. The
choice between the two should be based on specific project requirements, building function,
climate conditions, and architectural objectives.

SUSTAINABILITY IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS

Both single skin and double skin facades can contribute to sustainability in different ways:

1. Single Skin:
- Material Efficiency: Single skin facades typically require fewer materials, making them more
resource-efficient.

- Passive Design: When designed with appropriate shading and insulation, single skin facades
can still contribute to passive solar design principles, reducing energy consumption for heating
and cooling.

2. Double Skin:
- Thermal Performance: Double skin facades can enhance the building's energy efficiency by
providing better insulation and reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling.

- Natural Ventilation: The cavity between the two layers of the facade can facilitate natural
ventilation, reducing the reliance on mechanical ventilation systems and improving indoor air
quality.

- Solar Control: Double skin facades can incorporate shading elements to optimize day lighting
and reduce solar heat gain, further decreasing the building's energy demand.

In both cases, sustainable design considerations should also include material selection, life cycle
assessment, and overall building performance. The choice between single skin and double skin
facades should be based on a holistic evaluation of their environmental impact, energy
efficiency, and long-term sustainability goals.

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 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the double skin facade (DSF) and single skin facade (SSF) are both widely used
building envelope systems with distinct characteristics and advantages. The DSF consists of two
layers of glass separated by an air cavity, providing benefits such as improved thermal and
acoustic insulation, enhanced natural ventilation, and opportunities for solar shading and energy
generation. However, DSF also presents challenges related to maintenance, construction
complexity, and cost.

On the other hand, SSF is a simpler and more cost-effective solution, but it may lack the same
level of thermal and acoustic performance as DSF. Design considerations for both facades
include climate-specific requirements, structural support, and integration with building systems.

Case studies and examples demonstrate the successful implementation of both facade types in
various architectural projects, showcasing their unique applications and performance in different
contexts. Comparative analysis reveals that while DSF offers superior thermal performance and
design flexibility, SSF may be more suitable for projects with budget constraints or where
advanced performance is not a priority.

In conclusion, the choice between DSF and SSF depends on specific project requirements,
budget considerations, and performance goals. Both facade types have their own merits and
challenges, and careful evaluation is necessary to determine the most suitable solution for each
project.

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 REFERENCES
Books:
1. "Double Skin Facades: Integrated Planning" by Ulrich Knaack, Tillmann Klein,
and Marcel Bilow

2. "Single Skin: The History, Theory and Practice of a Building Technology" by

Chris L. Smith

3. "Facade Construction Manual" by Thomas Herzog, Roland Krippner, and

Werner Lang

Websites:
1. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) - www.ctbuh.org

2. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) - www.aia.org

3. The Building Enclosure Council (BEC) - www.bec-national.org

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