Holding the Sun at Bay: A Study in the Development of the Double-skin Façade

Holding the Sun at Bay: A Study in the Development of the Double-skin Façade for the Case Western Reserve University Tinkham Veale University Center

This article presents research that was conducted during the design of this academic building, focusing on innovative facade technologies. During the early stages of the design, the team investigated several different options for the west facade, including electrochromic glass, internal sun shades, fixed external sunshades, and a double-skin facade. Once the team determined that the double-skin wall was the best solution, they proceeded to perform a series of studies to validate that choice and determine overall functionality.

keywords: double-skin; curtain wall; solar control; computational fluid dynamics