climate

Responsive
facade
potential benefits of responsive
façade in making a building
sustainable
 ABSTRACT
 Owing to the climate changes phenomenon taking place in this day and ages the
potency of heat, light and wind are swaping gradually. Technical industries have
emerge with various outcome to get control of the repercussion of climate change
one among those soulution is the innovation of climate responsive dynamic faced.

Chapter 1 High performance adaptive solutions are capable of responding to the dynamic
nature of users and context. These innovative and dynamic systems are steadily
gaining ground over ubiquitous ‘best fit’ static models. The traditional methods for
data representation or communication have been replaced by these architectural
elements that often exist beyond the scope of mainstream building standards. The
substantial challenge of this is to a highly standardized and compartmentalized
industry in which “innovation” is restricted to a few conventional practices that
design iconic yet extortionate structure, which often highlight aesthetics over
performance.
 This paper offers an overview of the benefits that integrated dynamic systems
bring to buildings through an examination of existing dynamic façade and applied
practices. This paper will give an overall picture of the sustainability aspect of
responsive façade with a comparison to the conventional building that uses
conventional and passive technique. The sustainability feature of this paper is
Fig 1. image showing responsive façade compared using the standard measures of LEED (Leadership in Environment and
Source: Google image Energy Design)
1.1 Aim
To study about the potential benefits that climate responsive facade systems can bring to
buildings to make it sustainable according to LEED criteria in hot and dry climate.
1.2 OBJECTIVE
 To identify the characteristics of climate responsive building facades type, details and technology suitable
for hot and dry climate
 To investigate about the material selection and its contribution towards thermal control in responsive
facade
Energy consumption chart
 To do a comparative analysis between responsive façade building and conventional building falling under
LEED category in hot and dry climate
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
 How responsive facade can affect HVAC system and contribute in energy efficiency
 How responsive facade can lead to sustainability and helps in scoring LEED points
1.4 PROBLEM STATEMENT
 The building industry plays a significant role in environment degradation leading to greenhouse gas
emission. As a new such strict rule aims at minimizing total energy utilization in building are constantly
Air conditioning Appliances Lighting other
established. For that reason, new concepts and technologies must be development to enhance energy
Fig 2. showing energy consumption chart
efficiency of the building to at most Zero Energy Building (nZEB) according to the European context. Source: author
The building envelope is a key element in the management of energy conservation within buildings as
well as in the utilization of renewable energy in buildings. The design and configuration of the building
facade determines the magnitude in the reduction of total energy demand within building
 As per studies it showed that 72% of power is used for air conditioning, 5% of power for appliances, 4%
of power used for lighting and 5% for others in a conventional building. Responsive facade can have a

1.5 NEED FOR STUDY
The study will be concentrating on the effect of responsive façade
in energy efficiency by analyzing through LEED criteria. In
developing country like India where pressure on energy is so
high which will ultimately lead to deterioration of fossil fuels and
energy, there is a need to conserve the depletion of energy in any
manner. One of the prominent way to have a sustainable living is
the introduction of responsive façade in to building construction.
Efficient consumption of energy at all period of the supply or
demand chain could minimize the negative footprint of energy
use, while still permitting the same economic development.
In addition, the incapable usage of energy generally infers higher
requirement than actual requirement which eventually cost
operation cost to the customer or end user as well as increase the
reliability on scare energy resources that is meant to be utilized by
others.
Thus, this study can prove whether responsive façade can be
widely used for energy efficiency and how it helps in achieving
sustainability in future.
1.6 SCOPE
 There are very little study has been done on responsive façade in the
targeted study area. As sustainability is not just a factor of fancy word
however a necessity which can also be acquired through responsive
façade as it have a major footprint on energy saving.
 It is an approach in field of parametric architecture to find better solution
to respond the external weather condition and eradicate the issue.
 In some cases these responsive elements can be a symbolic expression
and integral part of poetic element of a culturally important work of an
architecture.
1.7 LIMITATION
 Due to fewer application of responsive dynamic façade in India
study has been relied mostly on literature study.
 Study has been limited from more deeply acknowledging the
technical aspect of responsive façade and has concentrated more
towards architectural features
 The methodology of this Research contains the literature survey, documentary research and user
survey in order to fully analyze about the climate responsive dynamic facade all these case studies
utilize not only the structural forms and this provides the opportunity to compare the different
types of designs, as well different type of techniques used to achieve sustainability ultimately to
achieve a comfortable work space and user friendly space. At the end of each literature case study
has been comparatively analyzed and the results have been compared in order to satisfy the
objective of this study.
However, the end sequel of this study will be used as a reference for future designing and
introduction of responsive dynamic façade. Although sustainability will be the mandatory criteria
to be passed by building industry in order to maintain quality of life. Therefore the feasibility and
scope of study has been proven as necessity.
The first chapter, contains introduction and a brief of the research along with aim, objective and
1.8 RESEARCH METHOD what is the scope of this particular study.
Chapter two, discuss briefly how the research will be carried out through understanding the
evolution, history and classification of different type of responsive façade. This chapter also
discusses briefly about the approved green building standards and how they are used to measure
the quantitative and qualitative aspect of sustainability. Two major factor of responsive façade
that are automation performance and material selection which is also explained briefly in order to
understand later chapters and set the parameters for analyzing case study
Third chapter, is all about literature study of responsive façade building Al Bahar tower along
with data about its sustainability, design and user analysis as well as a brief about Axiom HQ with
similar data.
Chapter four, is analyses of selected case studies which are the works of outstanding architects
that have achieved LEED silver rating. The analysis is from outcomes of the literature review.
The last chapter is conclusion
 DEFINE
NEED FOR
RESEARCH
STUDY
PROBLEM

DATA COLLECTION

Detail overview on different responsive façade typology, and classification

Literature study of
1.9 RESEARCH PROCESS Energy efficiency
Green building standards
responsive façade in
terms of technology,
material and LEED
FORULATE PARAMETERS FOR CASE
STUDY ANALYSIS
Literature study of
conventional building in
similar context in terms
of technology, material
and LEED

COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS

Fig 3: flow chart showing research method

INTERPRET AND CONCLUDE Source: author
CHAPTER 2
Data collection
  As a transition between inside and outside- between the interior space and the urban
space- the building skin plays an especially important role. From an architectural
perspective, the building envelope, or façade, is in essence of the public face of a
building, and has therefore a large impact on the perception of the building.
 Some of Façade’s design conflicting parameter are views versus privacy, daylight
versus glare, fresh air versus draught risk, etc.
RESPONSIVE FACADE  One of the important factors in buildings energy performance is ‘building envelop’.
Building without window is able to save energy, but it is not recommended due to
the benefits of natural light on visual comfort and the biological effect of natural
light on humans.
 Based on view and connection to the outside, privacy and perception of daylight as
important factor for health have been reported as non- physical motivations for
human interactions with shading and electric lighting, there are four domains for
physical interactions between façade and outside environment In practice this
means that, to reach the prescribed levels of efficiency and functionality, the façade
need to change or adopt.
 Therefore, the adoption of adaptive facades provides opportunities for significant
reductions in building energy use and co2 emissions, while preserving the thermal
and visual comfort of occupants.

Fig 4: close view of responsive façade

Source: Google image

Nevertheless, all of them requires,
firstly an external electric current
source to operate and secondly, they are
made of mechanical systems with
multiple components with high
maintenance rate. Both conditions take
these active systems to a rapid state of
obsolescence for instance, the Arab
world Institute (Paris 1987) where the
active elements on the envelope were
abandoned few years after the project
opened, because of the costly
maintenance..
Fig 5. Showing Arab world institute Paris
Source: Google image
2.1 origin and evolution of responsive façade
Until recent times, the attention to improving building envelope was focused on
increasing thermal insulation. Nevertheless, those systems are not enough to solve
the efficiency challenges in the nowadays buildings (Perino &Serra, 2015), because
of the remarkable use of glass and the increasing of additional energetic reliance on
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems before the modern
architecture movement.
A noticeable change about architectural skins appeared in the second half 20th
century by some postmodern architecture movements which incorporated into the
envelope electromechanical systems equipped with sensors, processing units, and
actuators that can be program and answer in real time to weather changing
conditions. This incorporation allowed the obtention of a new dynamic interface
between the building and their surrounding area
Moreover, few actuator components were destroyed, for these reasons, current
research occurrence of building envelopes are revamping their performance to be
more coherent exploring flexible and joint less answer with other guidelines
2.1 Classification of responsive façade
Responsive Kinetic Facades types, which was based on classifying the façades according to the type of geometric transformations
occurring in the building façade ((Moloney, 2011). Thus, after reviewing recent examples for responsive Kinetic Façades, the research
proposes a new categorization for Responsive Kinetic Façades based on type of transformation used, the purpose of usage, and the
mechanism of motion

Solar kinetic responsive facades

Classification of responsive facade
responding through whole building movement

According to façade
According to façade function transformable shading systems
configuration
integrated kinetic shading system

Energy Environment Aesthetic

generation al control function
facade form
information
geometric

wind driven kinetic responsive facades

material
pattern

facade
shape

air current responsive facades

thermal
solar

ventilatio
control

control

n control

control

control
noise
daylight

humidity
integrated air current responsive facades with
wind turbines

Fig 6: flow chart showing classification of responsive façade Fig 7. Façade types
Source: Moloney 2011 Source: Moloney 2011
 Facades aims at practicability systems for enhancing the standard and economy of this
technical system to be sustainable in the future. There are numerous criteria that should be
encompassed when designing building facades. Each has the capability to describe the
character and influence the total knowledge of a building.

2.2.1 SUN CONTROL

Thermal and visual comforts are related on controlling the light infiltrating a building through
its façade. The quantity of light allowed to a building correlates directly with an enhancing in
2.2 DESIGN interior temperatures, causing the comfort level of the users within.
PARAMETERS FOR
2.2.2 NATURAL VENTILATION
RESPONSIVE FAÇADE The building skin plays a vital role in respect of the natural air exchange in buildings.
Ventilation strategies can also give a powerful character to the elements of a façade.

2.2.3 DAY LIGHTING

The use of natural daylight is significant, both in accordance of the comfort and contentment
of the users and with apprise to minimize the requirements for artificial light.

2.2.4 CONNECTION TO OUTDOORS

Connection to the outdoors is an additional sustainability feature that is physiological in
nature, similar to day lighting. This could be accomplished by applying glass protected by a
vegetated screen that act as a visual connection to the exterior.
 
 
2.2.5 THERMAL INSULATION
Thermal insulation systems implement materials and components capable of minimizing heat loss through transmittance,
convection or radiation. The concealed insulation in walls has a huge capability to effect the thermal performance of a building.
 
2.2.6 MOISTURE CONTROL
Bitumen, an organic material containing mainly of hydrocarbons, is often used to build moisture barriers in buildings. It is often
thought of the outer most skin as the water barrier, but more frequently it is as a rain screen. There are two kinds of moisture to
contend with when trying to keep the building dry: rain and condensation.
2.2.7 STRUCTURAL EFFICIENCY
It is predominant to incorporate structure into the building skin.
 
2.2.8 POSSIBILITY OF ENERGY GENERATION
There is also the probability for a building’s skin to be an energy source. Photovoltaic or flexible solar thin films can be
incorporated into facades to simultaneously generate power and shade a building. To promote the issue of the building skin with
a view to creating precisely sustainable and surviving architecture, planning must be goal-oriented, responsible and sensible.
  
2.3.1 SYSTEMS USED IN RESPONSIVE FAÇADE
A responsive facade is considered as an intelligent system with specific capabilities such as
reaction time, adaptation, and learning ability. In general, the performance of responsive facade
systems can be affected by sensing technologies, control technologies, and actuating technologies
that are constructed using material technologies and structural technologies. (moloney, 2015)
 
2.3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF TECHNOLOGY UTILISED BY RESPONSIVE FAÇADE
 Different technologies that have been used in the façade systems can be classified as mechanical
technology, electro-mechanical technology, passive technology, information technology, material-
2.3 TECHNICAL based technology, and Integrated technology.

ASPECTS  2.3.2.1 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

The first generation of responsive facade systems utilized mechanical technologies to improve
both the efficiencies of buildings and comfort ability of occupants. These systems consisted of
interdependent mechanical elements that would change the magnitude, direction, and application
point of forces such as pulleys, wheels, hinges, rollers, cables

2.3.2.2 ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Electro-mechanical technology used in responsive facades is a mature technology. Electro-
mechanical technology is considered to be a reliable technology, which possesses significant
advantages such as standardization of parts, modularized design components, inexpensive initial
cost, and centralized monitoring and control.
 2.3.2.4 PASSIVE TECHNOLOGY
The first alternative technology was the use of passive approach in the design of responsive facade. Based on this design
approach, the dependency of a facade system to electrical and manual power was eliminated and natural resources such as wind,
water, and sunlight were used as a power source.
The advantages of passive responsive facades are their independency from mechatronics powers, numerous esthetic expressions
provided by environmental variables and minimalist artwork presentations.
 
2.3.2.5 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
Design builder is an Energy Plus based software tool used for energy, carbon, lighting and comfort measurement and control.
Design Builder is developed to ease up the building simulation process. Design Builder is comparing alternative building
designs by using function and performance-based method of comparison results by the various analyzes in a quick and
economic manner.
ESDTL- Tas simulation software is a complete solution for the thermal simulation of a building and a comprehensive tool for
modelling plant and systems using it’s graphical and component based analysis. Tas is a powerful design tool in the
optimization of a buildings environmental, energy and comfort performance
Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that enables 3D modeling and information management is a significant part
of BIM. The commonly used sustainability analysis software involves Autodesk Green Building Studio, Energy 10, HEED,
Design Builder, Autodesk Ecotect, eQUEST, Integrated Environmental Solutions, Virtual Environment (IES-VE), and
EnergyPlus.
  
The materials affect facade capabilities in regulating of humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide and
natural light Patterns of motion in responsive facades can be existed in flexible or rigid bodies of
materials that can be served as a facade body or skin can be classified into two groups of rigid
conventional materials and soft smart materials.
Conventional rigid materials implemented in facade bodies can be categorized into woods and
cycled woods;
ALUMINIUM Perforated aluminum
panels,
METALS metal allies, coated metals;
 

2.4 MATERIAL GLASS Glass fabrics, and Fritted

glass USER PREFERENCE
SELECTION POLYMERS Fluorine-based plastics,
polycarbonate plastics, USER

85
Polymeric organo- silicon,

80
acrylic glass,

60

60
Polytetrafluoroethylene

45
coated fiberglass,

35
Glass fiber reinforced plastics
Polycarbonate,

15

15
Polytetrafluoroethylene

5
(PTFE),
polyvinylidene fluoride EL M SS D R R E L
ER ER
E IU LA
O PE PE TE B
(PVDF) films. ST IN G W
O
PA PA S FI L YM
M S N
  LU RT ES
O PO
A A L RB
SM IN CA
S TA
STEEL Stainless steel
 
Fig 8: table showing material Fig 9:graph showing user preference of material
2.4.1 SMART MATERIAL
“Smart materials” refer to those materials which have the ability to change their composition or structure, their electrical
and/or mechanical properties, or even their functions in respond to some environmental stimuli like temperature, pressure,
magnetic and electric fields, chemical, or nuclear radiation. Generally, "smart" materials are implanted in systems whose
integral properties can be favorably altered in order to respond to the performance needs.
Smart materials are usually utilized as actuators and sensors, and their associated "stimulus" and "response". Major
advantages of smart material actuators and sensors include high energy density, fast response, compact size, and fewer
moving parts. Some disadvantages include limited strain outputs, limited blocking forces, high cost, and sensitivity to harsh
environmental conditions.

Fig 10: table showing different smart material and its properties
Source: Reece P. Smart Materials and Structures.
Fig.11 graph showing working of material technology
Source: Reece P. Smart Materials and Structures
 The energy efficiency of a building is the extent to which the energy consumption per square
meter of floor area of the building measures up to established energy consumption benchmarks
for that particular type of building under defined climatic conditions. (Energy efficiency in
buildings, p. 18)
Energy efficiency means utilizing the minimum amount of energy for heating, cooling,
equipment’s and lighting that is required to maintain comfort conditions in a building.. This
includes all of the building elements between the interior and the exterior of the building such
as: walls, windows, doors, roof and foundations.
3.1 Energy efficiency in high-rise buildings
3.0 Energy efficiency  There are several factors that affect the energy consumption in tall buildings. The degree of
importance of these factors varies between buildings. Generally, they can be classified into
architectural, human, technology and natural factors. They are the factors related to the
building design and its components. They can have a positive or a negative impact on the
energy consumption of the building.. (Hazem Elotefya, 2015)

Fig 12 energy efficiency associated with no: of floor

Fig11. classification of buildings based on height
Source: 12 iopscience.iop.org

3.1 standard green building
measures
 A green building rating system is an evaluation tool that measures environmental
performance of a building through its life cycle. It usually comprises of a set of criteria
covering various parameters related to design, construction and operation of a green building.
Each criterion has pre-assigned points and sets performance benchmarks and goals that are
largely quantifiable.
 Some of the council are
 LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
 AGB(Australia Green Star Building Rating System)
 Green Globes(Canada and USA)
 Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) in UK
 Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) in Japan
 HQE(High Quality Environmental Standards)
 GBI (Green Building Index) in Malaysia
 GRIHA in India
 ESTIDAMA in UAE
 The chapter speaks about 2 different type of green building council that has been applied on
construction of building in different countries. They are LEED,ESTIDAMA
 LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LEED which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a
certification rating system for green buildings, developed by the USGBC. Short after
the formation of USGBC, LEED Green Building Rating System was developed by the
members of the USGBC committee and is “voluntary, consensus-based and market-
driven” according to USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council, 2009). There are currently
more than 69,000 projects in more than 150 countries participating in LEED (U.S.
Green Building Council, 2015).The first pilot project LEED Version 1.0 was launched
1998 (U.S. Green Building Council, 2009)

LEED LEED

5%4%
24%
14%

13% 9%

32%
sustainable site
energy and atmoshphere
indoor environmental quality
regional priority
Fig 13 categories of LEED
water efficiency
materials and resources
innovation in design
Fig 14 LEED criteria
Source: LEED website
3.1. Credit system
LEED Green Building Rating System evaluates and give credits based on five key categories with two additional categories,
were additional credits can be awarded (Richards, 2012; Matisoff, et al., 2014). The distribution of points is dependent on the
fulfillment of each requirement (US Green Building Council, 2009). The requirements are based on the possible environmental
impact and human benefits and the definition of the impacts, the effects and outcome of the operation and maintenance of the
building and also the design and construction.
LEED credit system has totally 100 base points but an additional 10 base points can be earned through two extra categories:
Innovation in Operations (and Design) and Regional Priority. The total score can therefore reach a total sum of 110 points
within the rating system scorecard.

Fig 13 categories of LEED Fig 16 point distribution

Source: LEED website Source: LEED website
  Established in Abu Dhabi, ESTIDAMA is a building design methodology for constructing
and operating buildings and communities more sustainably. Derived from the Arabic word
that means ‘sustainability, it is a certification system developed by Abu Dhabi Urban
Planning Council (UPC). It aims to form a framework for measuring sustainability
performance beyond the usual planning and construction phases.
 5 Pearl (>=140 points), 4 Pearl (≥115 points), 3 Pearl (≥85 points), 2 Pearl (≥60 points), 1
ESTIDAMA Pearl (no optional credit points necessary)

2% 7%
16% 7%

Fig 17 categories of ESTIDAMA

21% Source: Google image

Integrated Development Process (9 criteria)

24%
integrated development process
livable buildings
resourceful energy
innovating practice
24%
Natural systems (7 criteria)
natural systems Livable buildings: outdoors (13 criteria)
precious water
Livable buildings: indoors (19 criteria)
stewarding materials
Precious water (8 criteria)
Resourceful energy (10 criteria)
Stewarding materials (18 criteria)
Innovating practice (2 criteria)
CATEGORY LEED ESTIDAMA
rating Classified into: certified, silver , gold, Classified into 1,2,3,4,5 pearls(5 pearl
platinum are the most points gained)
classification Commercial Not classified but complex buildings
neighborhood (schools- offices) is permitted to have
School bonus points
commercial
Sustainable site Have allotted high points for site comparatively low score
energy/ energy use Fundamental building system, Fundamental building system,
calculation and monitoring calculation and monitoring

Water efficiency Water consumption, water Water consumption, water

monitoring monitoring

material Building re use, local or regional Material and design is an important

material aspect
additional Regional priority Additional category urban
community, culture and economic
value, integrated development
  The above data collection helps in understanding various keywords and
gives definition for many terms which is used in later literature study and
analysis of climate responsive façade. This study helps in laying foundation
conclusion to set parameters to asses and review the literature case study and then
finally to do a comparative analysis about the topic responsive façade. The
parameters would be understanding the technology used in cases study,
material detail and LEED sustainability criteria assessment .
Chapter 3
Literature study
Al Bahar tower, Abu Dhabi

Fig 18 Al Bahar tower

Source: Google image
  Abu Dhabi Investment Council is the investment arm of the Government of Abu Dhabi that is
responsible for investing part of the government’s surplus financial resources. In 2008, the Abu
Dhabi investment Council launched an international competition for its new headquarters.
Aiming to design two iconic towers, the design brief called for two 25 story towers to create an
outstanding landmark reflecting the regions’ architectural heritage together with the corporate
status of the clients’ organization. The primary business functions of the towers include financial
transactions, brokering, and dealing including Al Hilal Bank.
3.1 Site & Heritage
 The location of Abu Dhabi is shown in Figure 19. It is arid and extremely sunny with
temperatures and humidity reaching up to 49◦C and 100% respectively during summer.
Buildings such as the Al-Jahili Fort in Al-Ain, have protective external walls surrounding an
internal vegetated courtyard with watchtowers at the corners. The shapes of those towers are not
CASE STUDY perfect extrusions but have a rather cocoon-like shape. This is probably due to the fact that
adobe is less robust than stone, causing the towers to be built wider as they reach the ground.
The walls need little cleaning as the color is that of the surrounding sand and dust. In Middle
Eastern countries, fabric curtains and ‘mashrabiya’ (wooden lattice shading screens) are used to
block direct solar rays, keeping interior spaces cool in the heat of the desert sun. (Kerber, 2015)

Fig 19: showing location of Al Bahr tower Abu Dhabi

Source: Google image
3.2 Bio-inspiration
To gather an interdisciplinary team around common design ideas they found references in nature to which we could all relate.
From early on the intention was set to explore bio-inspiration. Guiding examples were drawn from the forms of cactus,
pineapples, flowers and other natural systems. A cactus has umbrella-like features to protect its delicate weather-tight skin.
Flowers open and close in response to changing weather conditions. The pineapple’s hexagonal envelope covers a double-curved
surface efficiently. It was sought to embody these attributes in the design of the towers

Fig 7.Dynamic mashrabiya – inspired from the past and from adaptive natural systems – folding and
unfolding concept
following the movement of the sun
Source: 14 sciencedirect.com
.
3.3. Philosophy & tradition
The beauty of Islamic Architecture can be found around the world, from Indonesia to Spain. The Tajo Mahal in Agra – India and the
Al-Hambra Palace in Andalusia – Spain are two of the New 7 World’s Wonders (www.new7wonders.com). The two buildings are
different in form, color, and style, and yet they share a common approach to design. Each implemented an underlying geometric
principle from which every aspect was generated. This extends from the largest aspect, the massing of the form to the smallest
detailed patterns of ornamentations. With this approach as a guide the Al-Bahr Towers became an integration of traditional and
modern, as well as mechanical and digital.
Fig 10 & 11 Circles
and spheres form Islamic Architecture is all about context. The
the base of Islamic
geometric forms are found through optimizing
compositions. performance.
Examples of this are
found in Excessive exposure to direct solar rays is
mashrabiya, mediated through the use of cooling
such as those
applied in Sheikh courtyards, self-shading geometries and
Lotfollah Mosque in through patterns placed on both ceramic
Isfahan, Iran (left)
and the Taj Mahal
floors and wood shades. ‘Mashrabiya’ are
(right). made of geometric patterns providing shade
whilst allowing sufficient diffused light and
Fig 8 & 9 Taj Mahal breeze into the building. They provide
(left) and Al-Hambra
Palace (right) are privacy as occupants can see outside while
iconic examples of a by-passers cannot see inside.
universal geometric
approach to design.
Source: 14
sciencedirect.com
  The two circular towers are clad with weather-tight glass curtain wall. The curtain
wall is comprised of unitized panels with a floor-to-floor height of 4200 mm and a
variable width of 900–120 mm. From floor to ceiling, the vision area of the curtain
3.4 RESPONSIVE wall spans 3100 mm. The curtain wall is separated from the kinetic shading system
FACADE through a substructure by means of movement joints. The fixation of the substructure
movement joints (cantilever struts) is at the first basement, ground floor, and podium
levels, thereby allowing them to respond independently from the substructure.
 The dynamic shading system is a screen comprised of triangulate units such as
origami umbrellas. Each mashrabiya was conceived as a unitized system,
cantilevering 2.8 m from the primary structure. The shading device system contains
stainless steel supporting frames, aluminum dynamic frames, and fiberglass mesh
infill.. Each shading device comprises a series of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) panels. When the shading device is closed, occupants can still see through
from inside to the outside .In total, each tower has 1049 mashrabiya shading
devices, each weighing about 1.5 tones. The shape of the building in plan and
elevation led to 22 different variations in the mashrabiya geometries, which in itself
created a challenge for managing their manufacture and assembly.
• The curtain-wall is comprised of unitized panels with a floor-to-floor height of
4200mm and a variable width of 900mm to 1200mm. Each unit is sub-divided into
six triangular frames that unfold through a centrally positioned actuator and piston
  The shading screen is computer-controlled to respond to optimal solar and light conditions. The
mashrabiya shading devices are grouped into sectors and are operated through sun tracking
software that controls the opening and closing sequence according to the sun’s angle. Each
shading device comprises a series of stretched PTFE panels and is driven by a linear actuator. The
actuator is responsible for opening and closing once per day based on a pre-programmed
sequence to prevent direct solar radiation. Under overcast conditions or high wind conditions, a
series of sensors integrated on the building envelope will send its logged signals to the control
unit to open all units.
 The 1049 mashrabiyas are controlled through a central Building Management System (BMS) that
can control each unit individually or in groups. The system is run with Siemens technology in a
preset automated control following the sun’s path through the year. The system is updated every
3.5 AUTOMATION AND 15 minutes using a light meter and an anemometer on the roof. In case of weather events, the
automated program gets overridden. Power and data transmission is enabled through the strut
TECHNOLOGY sleeves

Source: 14 sciencedirect.com
3.5 Performance criteria
The goal of the dynamic mashrabiya solar screen is to block direct solar rays from landing inside occupied spaces during
working hours, from 09:00 till 17:00. This reduces solar gain and controls solar glare. By responding dynamically to the
changing environmental context, the mashrabiya has a major impact on the amount of natural daylight admitted into the
building and reduces the cooling loads required for air-conditioning
The following automation conditions are extracted from Opening Configurations Principles:
If solar rays land on the curtain-wall between 00 and 79 degrees → Un-folded configuration
If solar rays land on the curtain-wall between 80 and 83 degrees → Mix-folded configuration
If solar rays land on the curtain-wall greater than 83 degrees → Fully-folded configuration

Fig 15. The total integration of systems was achieved by pre-rationalising the underlying buildings geometric principles
Source: 14 sciencedirect.com
3.6 software details
Siemens’s well-established platform was used to develop the control software and Human/Machine Interface (HMI) of the Al-Bahr
Towers dynamic solar screen . An embedded pre-set programmed simulates the movement of the sun and deploys the mashrabiya units
in corresponding folding configurations. The HMI allows manual intervention of the operator in case of emergency, maintenance
requirement, or for ceremonial/demonstration purposes. Each unit has a unique location and ID on the screen, which is linked to
positioning sensors located in the actuator of each unit. The software is linked to three main sensors located at the top of each tower; 1)
light 2) wind and 3) rain. The system offers live feedback to the operator including wind speed, light intensity, rain levels, faulty units
and their folding positions. This feedback is used to override the pre-set programmed and to move the units into mid-fold position in
the event of unusual conditions, like a storm. Illuminance: high
f ort Distribution: medium
om nce
l c a Glare: low
i s ua orm
V erf Direction: high
&p Outside view:
medium
Adaptability Appearance :
High solar
Principle of Multi-ability Daylight Visual medium
adaption
radiation inspired by performance amenity Color: medium
nature Triple units such as Privacy: high
Factors
folding origami Social behavior: high
affecting the umbrellas every 15 Health: high
elements of
adaption minutes De
ch vic
Flowers that are ar e
ac Lighting energy: low
te
bio mimicry affected by climatic ris Building energy use:
condition ti c
s low
Hexagonal honey cells
  Each unit comprises a series of stretched PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) panels and is operated
by a linear module which opens and closes progressively once each day, in response to a pre-
programmed sequence which has been calculated to avoid direct sunlight from the moment it hits
the façade, in order to limit the direct solar gain to a maximum of 400 watts per linear metre
 The South-facing roofs of each tower incorporate photovoltaic cells, which generate
approximately 5% of the total energy required from renewable energy sources, which is used
for the water heating.
 The mashrabiya has a service life of 20 years including the PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric and the
actuators have a service life of 15 years.

3.6 Material selection  The mechanism of the unit is driven by a centrally positioned electric screw-jack linear actuator
that operates on very low energy consumption. Each actuator uses less energy than a regular light
bulb. The actuator stroke reaches up to 1000mm, which folds the mechanism and provides up
85% clear opening area. All mechanical connections comprise of marine-grade Teflon bearings.
 The towers were one of the
first buildings in the Gulf to
receive an LEED Silver
rating with a sore of 52 out
of 110 in total.
The building managed to get
high points in energy and
LEED atmosphere category, indoor
environmental quality and
innovation category.
A detail over view of LEED
criteria is coming later in the
study
AXIOM HQ
  Name of client: Axiom Telecom L.L.C.
Name of the contractor: China Railway 18th Bureau Group
Name of the project manager: Marco Mangili
Project location: Dubai, UAE
Completion year: 2018
Square foot covered: 34,0000 sqm
 LEED rating : silver
 Axiom Telecom Headquarter comes from four assumptions and their relationships: Icon and
Green Building, City, Garden and Technology. Furthermore, besides these initial guidelines,
were added: Impact, Presence, Recognisability and Synesthesia .
CASE STUDY  The design process rotates entirely on these concepts, giving life to a massive – but at the
same time suspended and balanced – building. Cement, black glass, corten, these are the
three key materials that have made possible to shape a “stone that comes from far away”, a
visual and iconic landmark
Chapter 4
COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS
This chapter compares the literature study Al Bahar tower and Axiom HQ buildings based on LEED
criteria to analysis the effect of responsive faced in giving LEED points and achieving green building
tag.
LEED criteria Al Bahar tower
ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE High score for optimize energy
performance since al bahar tower have
responsive façade that reduce the load
on HVAC system and it is supported by
sensered lighting and ventilation
system
Innovation in design They have scored well in innovation in
design and have received many awards
for the responsive façade system
Axiom HQ
Scored 3 out of 19 as they doesn’t have
any kind of systems to optimize energy
performance and they have used
conventional building materials like
concrete and corton steel with cladding
which does not optimize
They have scored 7 out of 7 as they
have on site renewable system
They have also used innovative
courtyard systems and technique and
have also scored
 On site renewable energy category
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL they have scored less as they doesn’t
QUALITY have another systems other than solar
panels that used for producing energy
to operate responsive façade system
Scored high in indoor chemical and They have not scored well in indoor
pollutants source control as their chemical and pollutants source
large part is of low heat absorbing control
glass protected by responsive façade
system and used low polluting
materials in interior walls They have not scored much in
thermal comfort and day lighting as
They have scored high in thermal they have used conventional
comfort and day lighting as techniques
responsive façade contribute towards
 plan
Al Bahar tower
In al Bahar tower, the outer most layer is used as work space
because of the responsive façade systems, there will be less
glare and more comfortable than conventional buildings and
the inner layer is used as core and for vertical transportation
and services
plan
Axiom hq
Where as in Axiom HQ the outer most layer is given as
recreational green spaces to avoid the direct sunlight and
to provide comfortable interior, the outer portion is used
for less frequently used places such as conference rooms
 Fig 13This comparison between common systems and the dynamic Mashrabiya system
Source: 14 sciencedirect.com

Fig 14. This schematic section through the south of the building shows the integration of the facade with key
building elements like structures and mechanical services
Source: 14 sciencedirect.com
.
 DAYLIGHT COMPARISON ENERGY SAVING COMPARISON
100 80
90
70
80
60
70
60 50

50 40
40 30
30
20
20
10
10
0 0
AL BAHAR TOWER AXIOM HQ AL BAHAR HQ AXIOM HQ

ENERGY SAVING
DAYLIGHT PERFORMANACE

It is clear from the study that Al Bahar tower have better day light than Axiom HQ due to the application of the
responsive façade technology. Similarly in terms of energy saving Al Bahar tower stands first
 CARBON EMISSION ENERGY CONSUMPTION VISUAL COMFORT

20% 50% 30%

INFERENCE Systems with responsive façade can overcome limitations of traditional

static facades and achieve a reduction of 20% in carbon emissions, a
savings of 50% in energy consumption, and an improvement of 30% of
user visual comfort
 COOLING
LOAD HEAT GAIN ARTIFICIAL LIGHT

25% 80% 11%

INFERENCE
In addition, investigations on existing responsive facade show that
implementation of the technologies can reduce cooling load by 25% and heat
gain as much as 80%, which can result in the cost of cooling be decreased by
15% to 20% .
Furthermore, studies have shown that these systems have achieved a saving of
11% for artificial lighting. The implementation of control technology and its
components of sensors, actuators, and transducers in structural elements and
materials of responsive systems provide improvements in the performance of the
facades
 Random sampling survey of 22 occupants out of 1000 occupants in the building

Thermal comfort survey- Respondents working in zone 2 of the tower (office

floors from 10 to 20) says about thermal comfort 12% occupants are very
comfortable within, 42% are comfortable, 32 % of occupants are neutral and
10% uncomffortable4% very uncomfortable

USER ANALYSIS thermal comfort

4%
12%
32%

42%

very comfortable comfortable neutral uncomfortable

This survey shows over 60% people have accepted responsive façade system and 14% are uncomfortable
The main reason for discomfort that was recorded by females was over cooling.

Natural lighting survey says that 20% are not comfortable. At the beginning, they thought that this was due to
glare; however main reason was related to the automated opening and closing of mashrabiya

acceptence

14%
accepted 20%
nuetral
not acceptable
26% 60%

comfortable
uncomfartable

A large percentage of occupants stated that they were annoyed by the regular opening and closing of the
mashrabiya that does not allow them to interact with the facade. Despite the user-controlled roller-blinds, which
allow occupants’ personal control of their environment, they are kept open most of the time according to the
respondents.

The automation is causing a widespread occupant discomfort, which is accentuated by their passivity toward
their indoor environment control.
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
  In a developing country like India there is a need of rise in sustainability aspect
especially in building construction. However due to increase in density and land use
we are forced to move towards high rise buildings which are heavy users of electric
energy. Buildings like info parks, techno parks and many other are rich in consuming
energy which would eventually ends in exhausting of energy and resources
 Later on sustainable building would no longer be a fancy word instead it would be a
mandatory to achieve sustainability for every construction we do. However there is
high need that we should make LEED or GRIHA or any green building rating a
mandatory in order to have a sustainable life in earth.
Conclusion  Responsive façade is one of the many ways through which you can achieve
sustainability and user comfort. Through out the study advantages and dis-
advantages of sustainable study has been listed along with a comparative analysis of
LEED rated 2 building one with responsive façade and other with a conventional
technique that clearly showed how responsive façade helps in getting high points to
achieve LEED rating
Therefore this study can be used in future as a reference to responsive façade
The paper has situated the main objectives for an efficient sustainable building façade taking
into account the environmental sustainability aspect, where it has introduced the main
parameters for developing building façade concept. Also, it has focused on the different façade
techniques in terms of natural ventilation, shading techniques and energy conservation and its
role in enhancing the internal environment. According to the applications and examples
reported in this paper, building facades play an immense role in building energy efficiency and
building energy performance where:
• Dynamic facades are more widely used to permit natural light, it is considered also an
efficient innovative ventilation system if properly designed.
• The most advantageous shading schemes have proved to be external shading device and
movable overhangs installed on building façade, considering also other benefits of external
shading as it could be suggested as a very effective design solution against overheating.
• The most effective shading system is the adjustable exterior shading louvers, where it is
considered to be the most effective shading devices as it has a variety of colors and
materials.
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