The Development of Double-Skin Façade Systems

Giulia Andreotti

Over the last twenty years the idea of creating glass surfaces that could be able to dynamically change their properties in order to obtain always the best internal comfort level with all weather conditions, has led at the same time to the invention of high technology glass products, such as "smart glazings", and of innovative façade systems, such as double-skin façades.

To really understand which are the advantages that the double-skin façade systems could offer it is necessary to consider all the technical, economical and architectural aspects related to their design, construction and working. The higher costs for the construction of a second glass skin can be set off by the better performances of these façades. In fact the double-skin façades can improve the acoustic insulation, the thermal insulation, the solar protection, the natural ventilation and the day lighting of a building, saving energy and creating a better internal comfort condition for the users. Naturally, all
these performances depend on the correct design of the system.

The author gives an overview of the different double-skin façade systems and of the problems related to their functioning, discussing the principles for a correct design and construction of these particular kinds of façades.

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