Overview of this study

This study is organized around five major topics:

• Technological solutions used to create high-performance building façades include those that provide daylighting, solar control, natural ventilation, and active load management capabilities. These solutions are described in terms of how they conceptually address specific energy-related objectives. We focus on solutions that have energy-savings potential for California (cooling-load dominated) commercial buildings.
  
• Design process involves the conceptualization, analysis, procurement, and implementation of a façade. This section explains the integrated collaborative process between the architect, building owner, and engineers needed to properly design these advanced technological solutions. We present the perspectives of architects, engineers, and building owners, first as individual interviews and then as round table responses to topical themes. We also present or summarize talks given at a workshop event.
  
• Design tools. For many of these technological solutions, commercially-available design tools are not available to predict the performance of these systems. We identify a small subset of available tools and explain some of the limitations of their use.
  
• Performance assessments of existing or proposed “high-performance” façade systems are typically based on simulations, reported field studies, or monitored studies. There are many claims in the architectural press – improved comfort, better indoor air quality, improved acoustics, increased energy-efficiency – but few third-party assessments as to whether the claimed performance benefits are actually realized. We review what little performance data there are.
  
• Building case studies are given to illustrate how various concepts have been realized architecturally. Most have been derived from architectural press sources. Others are listed with links to other information sources.

The following methods were used to derive information for this study:

• Interviews and focus groups with industry, A/E firms, owners, and system suppliers
  
• Review of existing literature
  
• Collaboration with scientists from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Task 27 Performance of Solar Façade Components and COST C13 Activities

Question/Information: eslee@lbl.gov