Design for façade adaptability: Towards a unified and systematic characterization

Adaptive facades provide opportunities for significant reductions in building energy use and CO2 emissions, while at the same time having a positive impact on the quality of the indoor environment. Many different types of adaptive façade concepts (materials, components and systems) have already been developed, and an increase in emerging, innovative solutions is expected for the near future. The goal of this paper is to contribute to these developments by describing activities in EU COST Action TU1403 aiming at the classification of adaptive façade concepts. We present an analysis of existing classification approaches to identify requirements and challenges that are faced in this process. Based on an analysis of strong points in these approaches, we propose a new matrix that can be used to characterize adaptive façade concepts in a comprehensive way. The elements of this matrix are explained with the use of three case studies: dynamic exterior shading facades, glazing with phase change materials and BIPV double-skin facades. We conclude the paper by providing directions for future extension of the characterization matrix and an outline of planned follow-up research activities.