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TEC 29
Double Skin Façades – More is Less?
Brett Pollard
The use of double skin façades has increased significantly over the last 10 to 15 years, primarily due to the benefits attributed to them in regard to increased energy efficiency and improved day lighting. There remains debate, however, about whether these benefits would be more effectively provided by a well designed, traditional, single skin façade system. This paper discusses the various types of double skin facades systems, exploring their features and function. The paper then reviews recent research and examples to attempt to reach a conclusion as to whether with a double skin façade, more really is less.
Keywords:
buffer DSF, daylight, double skin façade, DSF, energy efficiency, extract air DSF, high-rise, hybrid DSF, lighting, natural ventilation, office building, twin face DSF