A double-skin facade is a building envelope system that consists of two layers of glazing, separated by an air cavity. The outer layer of glazing is typically made of glass, metal or plastic and is designed to protect the building from the elements while providing thermal insulation. The inner layer of glazing is usually made of clear glass and is designed to provide additional insulation, as well as natural light and ventilation. The air cavity between the two layers of glazing acts as a buffer zone, helping to regulate the temperature inside the building and reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. One of the key benefits of a double-skin facade is its ability to provide natural ventilation. The air cavity between the two layers of glazing can be used to create a natural ventilation system, which can help to reduce the energy consumption of the building. In addition, the air cavity can also be used to reduce noise pollution, as it acts as a sound buffer. Another benefit of a double-skin facade is its ability to provide shading. The outer layer of glazing can be designed to provide shading, which can help to reduce the amount of solar heat gain in the building. This can help to reduce the energy consumption of the building, as well as improve the comfort of the occupants. Overall, a double-skin facade is a highly adaptable building envelope system that can provide a range of benefits, including natural ventilation, thermal insulation, shading, and noise reduction. It is a popular choice for high-rise buildings, as it can help to reduce the energy consumption of the building while improving the comfort of the occupants.
building envelope, natural ventilation, thermal insulation, shading, noise reduction
A double-skin facade is an adaptive building envelope that utilizes two layers of glazing, both of which are fabricated from glass, metal, and/or plastic. It allows a building's exterior to act as a thermal regulator, allowing natural ventilation while minimizing the need for artificial cooling and heating. The two layers of exterior glazing also help to reduce sound transfer and provide additional lighting. In multi-storey buildings, a double-skin facade can help to reduce the workload on the elevator system, as the space between the two façade layers can be used for access to the building. The two layers of glazing can also be made to function in tandem with one another, providing additional shading and ventilation depending on the building's orientation and the climate.
Glazing, insulation, ventilation, shading, climate control.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Double-Skin Facade.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=191923 (Accessed on July 01, 2025)"
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