CONTENTS
Index
1. Double Skin Façade and Sustainability 1
1.1. What is a Double Skin Façade? 2
1.2. Evolution of Double Skin Façades 4
1.3. Working Principle of Double Skin Façade 8
2. Parameters affecting the Performance of a Double Skin Façade 11
2.1. Context 12
2.1.1. Geography 12
2.1.2. Immediate Built Environment 14
2.1.3. Social Context 14
2.1.4. Economic Context 14
2.2. Design 15
2.2.1. Ventilation Strategy of the Double Skin Façade 15
2.2.2. Geometry of the Double Skin Façade 20
A. Opening Principles
B. Cavity
C. Sun Shading Devices
2.2.3. Material Selection 25
A. Thermal Insulation and Conductivity
B. Embodied Energy
C. Life Cycle Costs
3. Case Studies and Comparative Analysis 31
3.1. Climate A: Double Skin Façade to reduce Heat Gain - Vishranthi Homes, Chennai 33
3.1.1. Project Outline 33
3.1.2. Site Location and Climate 34
3.1.3. Double Skin Façade Details 35
3.1.4. Architect’s Approach 38
3.1.5. On-Site Survey 38
3.2. Climate B: Double Skin Façade to reduce Energy Consumption - Marvel Edge, Pune 40
3.2.1. Project Outline 40
3.2.2. Site Location and Climate 41
3.2.3. Double Skin Façade Details 42
3.2.4. Architect’s Approach 44
3.2.5. On-Site Survey 45
3.3. Climate C: Double Skin Façade to reduce Heat Gain - Vishranthi Homes, Chennai 46
3.3.1. Project Outline 46
3.3.2. Site Location and Climate 47
3.3.3. Double Skin Façade Details 48
3.3.4. Architect’s Approach 51
3.3.5. On-Site Survey 51
3.4. Comparative Analysis 53
3.4.1. Design Approach 53
3.4.2. Sun - Shading 54
3.4.3. Ventilation Strategy 58
3.4.4. Material Comparison 62
A. Transmittance Value
B. Decrement Factor and Time Lag
3.4.5. Thermal Performance 67
A. Indoor - Outdoor Dry Bulb Temperature
B. Heat Gain
C. Thermal Comfort
3.4.6. Day lighting Performance 78
4. Inferences and Conclusion 83
4.1. Conclusions 84
5. Bibliography 87
6. Appendix 90
Appendix A - Nomenclature
Appendix B - Internal and External Temperature Graphs
Appendix C - Solar Exposure Graphs
Appendix D - Interview Questionairre
7. Annexure 96