Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1149506
W H I T E PA P E R 3 F I V E W AY S A N A R C H I T E C T C A N I N F L U E N C E S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 2. Optimise the facade A building's facade is not only a primary aesthetic expression, it is also the primary interface between interior and exterior. As such, its design has a major impact on energy use, thermal comfort, and indoor environmental quality. In facades, glazing is often the weakest link in terms of heat gains and losses through the envelope. However, designing an energy-conscious facade is more than just finding the right glazing ratio -- it's a matter of finding the best combination of glazing amount, type, and location paired with the right shading strategies. For instance, a building with a small glazing ratio, clear glazing, and no shading might perform the same as a building with a large glazing ratio, high performance windows, and significant shading. A designer who understands these trade-offs in the early stages of design can make informed decisions that simultaneously meet aesthetic, functional, and performance goals. A well-considered facade can reduce energy use, maximise daylighting, and create a comfortable interior environment. 3. Holistically design for natural ventilation Natural ventilation is an effective strategy for many different building types in many climate regions. However, architectural decisions need to be made early in the design process to make this strategy viable. These architectural decisions include: • Thermal mass to even out daytime and nighttime temperatures. This affects decisions regarding construction, materiality, and finishes. • Airflow strategy (e.g. cross ventilation vs. stack ventilation). This can affect floorplate dimensions, internal layout of the building, interior partitions, and the design of the buildings section, depending on the strategy pursued. • Operable area sufficient to achieve the requisite airflow. • Controlling heat gains, including solar, conduction loads as well as internal gains from lights and appliances. Understanding a building's potential for natural ventilation early in design can help guide these design decisions. Varying the separation and depth (shown above) of external shading fins can be optimised to find the minimum energy consumption. When optimised in realtime, this type of output can guide and support facade design decisions. Understanding how different facade options compare against a common baseline can create flexibility in design decisions.