Bioclimatic Double-Skin Façades

Visually enriched with over 250 photographs and drawings, Bioclimatic Double-Skin Façades is an essential reference guide for understanding the types and functions of double-skin façades. Author Mary Ben Bonham examines the history and continuing potential of double-skin architecture, informing on the variety of approaches possible and advising a rigorous integrated design process leading to application. Featuring a wide selection of architectural examples, the book will be of interest to professionals and students within the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction.

Characterized by a buffer-like air space between two glazed building skins, double-skin windows and façades aim to improve building comfort and energy performance. Double skins introduce complexity and initial costs, yet significant buildings in locations around the globe continue to select this approach. In addition to exploring motivations, benefits, and cautions for designing with double skins, the book provides a primer on fundamental façade design concepts and strategies for control of thermal, luminous, and acoustic environments. Chapters also address alternative types of high-performance façades and implications for each phase of façade design and construction.

Bioclimatic Double-Skin Façades promotes bioclimatic design that is inspired by nature, measured in performance, and uniquely adapted to climate and place. In-depth case studies illustrate how double-skin façades have been adapted to a range of climates and cultural settings: Marseille Library and Grenoble Courthouse in France, Cambridge Public Library in Massachusetts, Manitoba Hydro Place in Canada, and the Pearl River Tower in China.

Dedication

Table of Contents

Case Study Location Map

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Terri Meyer Boake

Introduction

1 A BIOCLIMATIC VIEW OF ARCHITECTURE

Climate and nature

Climate and culture

Bioclimatic design

Sustainable and regenerative design

Framework for analysis

2 DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE CONCEPTS AND STRATEGIES

An integrative strategy

A bioclimatic kit of parts

Bioclimatic design concepts and strategies

3 DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE CLASSIFICATIONS

Cavity partitioning

Ventilation type and mode

Structural classification

Alternative nomenclatures

4 DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE HISTORY, PART I: ORIGINS

Buffer zones in vernacular architecture

Mid-19th Century: Glass for light and heat

20th Century: Glass for health, thermal comfort, and (sometimes) ventilation

Mid-20th century: Ventilation and acoustics in early DSF architecture

1970s: Energy focus feeds DSF development

1980s: Experimentation

5 DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE HISTORY, PART II: ADAPTATIONS

1990s: Proliferation in Europe

21st century: Global expansion

Supertall

6 DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADES: MOTIVATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES

Motivations

Benefits, cautions, and costs

Alternatives

7 DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE PERFORMANCE IN PRACTICE

Façade performance

Façade design process

1 Predesign: Concepts and criteria

2 Schematic design: Models and iteration

3 Design development: Simulation of performance

4 Construction documentation: Collaboration with fabricators

5 Bidding / final buyout: Final fabrication drawings

6 Construction and closeout: Mockups, installation, and quality assurance

7 Post-occupancy: Evaluation and feedback loops

8 DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE CASE STUDIES

8.1 Marseille Library | BMVR de Marseille (Marseille, France, 1997-2004)

8.2 Grenoble Courthouse | Palais de Justice de Grenoble (Grenoble, France, 1994-2002)

8.3 Cambridge Public Library (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 2002-09)

8.4 Manitoba Hydro Place (Winnipeg, Canada, 2004-09)

8.5 Pearl River Tower | 珠江城大厦 (Guangzhou, China, 2005-13)

Resources

Index

Climate Classifications Map

Mary Ben Bonham is Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture + Interior Design at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is a registered architect, NCIDQ-certified interior designer, and LEED-accredited professional.