A General Evaluation on Double Skin Facades

Abstract

This study examines the literature of double-skin facade systems over the last decade, and, with the help of tables and graphics, investigates their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, a detailed comparison is made between double skin façade systems. The results of the study show that the greatest advantage (95%) of double skin facade systems is their provision of natural ventilation. Other advantages are highlighted according to their percentage as follows: An increase in interaction between user and environment because of the high proportion of transparency, support of heat and sound insulation, reduction in heat transmission and solar heat gain coefficient, an increase in thermal comfort, allowance of solar control elements between the two facade spaces, and protection of these elements from external environment conditions. The most commonly accepted disadvantage (72%) is overheating in the air space of the two facades. Other disadvantages are highlighted according to their percentage as follows: Problems related to a decrease in the amount of daylight entering the building, high investment costs, additional maintenance and repair costs, fire, and acoustic problems. In our country, architectural design decisions related to overheating must be taken so as to provide a positive contribution to energy performance and the applicability of these systems.

Keywords

• Double skin facades; advantages of double skin facades; disadvantages of double skin facades; double skin façade types.