The Development of an Advanced Facade Map: An Evolving Resource for Documenting Case Studies

Abstract

This paper describes the creation and the potentials of an online tool to identify and document case studies that demonstrate perceived best practices in the design and implementation of advanced, sustainable, and climate-responsive integrated buildings facades. The project was created to catalog these projects in sufficient detail to allow users—expected to include design professionals, students, and faculty—to discover and study relevant examples, based on key project features, defined by the authors as technologically advanced and worthy of relevance: daylight and solar control, natural ventilation, noise control, embodied carbon, energy generation, and innovative insulation systems. The website documenting 44 case study buildings and this paper provides a preliminary overview about how it was made, what it is, and what some potential uses of the tool might be. This study emphasizes adaptability across climates, showcasing sustainable facades designed to balance energy efficiency with occupant comfort. This study also shows how data can be analyzed through the Map, based on four case studies. Presenting these statistics, the resource offers a foundation for exploring facade technologies that support sustainable building practices and respond effectively to climate-specific challenges. In doing so, the authors aim to inspire further exploration of innovative facade solutions within the context of sustainable building practices.

1. Introduction

The contribution of buildings to global warming is substantial and well-documented. Recent analyses indicate that carbon emissions from buildings account for approximately 32% of global emissions [1] and nearly 40% in developed countries [2]. These statistics underscore the crucial role that architecture plays in influencing climate change, emphasizing the need for a deeper exploration of how specific building practices contribute to these emissions and the potential avenues for mitigation.

The prevalent reliance on fossil fuels has led to the creation of largely carbon-intensive structures where people live and work. However, numerous initiatives, such as the 2030 Challenge [3], the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050 target, and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals [4], now adopted by many countries including EU member states [5], offer a more optimistic outlook for the future of the built environment.

For meaningful progress, the building sector requires significant technological and policy changes to reduce its environmental impact. Stakeholders also need reliable data on the costs, benefits, and risks of these changes to make informed decisions. This paper presents the efforts of researchers from University of California Berkeley and the Polytechnic University of Bari, who have developed a map of advanced facade examples. This tool highlights best practices for climate-adaptive building envelope design, serving as a resource for design professionals, students, and academics. It builds upon prior case studies of buildings in Europe and North America conducted by UC Berkeley graduate students [6].

1.1. Problem Context and Challenge

The design and implementation of building facades present significant challenges related to sustainability, energy efficiency, environmental adaptability, and occupant comfort. Traditional facade systems often lack the advanced features necessary to effectively respond to diverse climate conditions, which can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced indoor comfort. As sustainability becomes a priority in building design, the need for advanced facade systems that integrate climate-responsive technologies and best practices is increasingly urgent.

This study addresses this need by showcasing sustainable exemplary buildings with advanced facades, which offer practical solutions to these challenges. Through case studies that incorporate strategies such as solar shading, natural ventilation, and high-performance insulation, the Advanced Facade Map highlights best practices in facade design that architects, engineers, and policymakers can adopt to support more sustainable building practices.

With the rising awareness of sustainable construction practices, advanced facade systems play a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of buildings. By implementing strategies like those featured in the Map, facades can help lower operational energy demands, directly advancing sustainable building goals.

1.2. Research Gap

Some building facades are complex and customized integrated systems that defy simple performance measurement [7]. There are metrics for individual elements such as glazing, insulation, infiltration, etc., but their interactions with other systems and the external environment are more difficult to predict and understand. Facade design must balance the competing goals of daylighting, window views, solar control, energy conservation, comfort, and regulatory compliance. Overly simple approaches such as “maximizing daylight” and/or prescriptive daylighting standards can lead to overly glazed facades that ignore these tradeoffs [7]. Among the development of systems leading to reduced energy consumption, building envelopes offer many opportunities [8]. The envelopes, for example, significantly impact energy consumptions as they separate the unconditioned outdoor environment from the indoor conditioned zones [9]. New approaches may lead to envelopes that are no longer just objects of closure, protection, or support, but that may be responsive to the climate or occupants, and/or energy producing. For these reasons, innovative and sustainable facades can greatly reduce consumption and also improve the indoor environmental quality and the well-being of the occupants [10].

For example, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) the heating and cooling energy reduction expected to reach net zero energy is mainly related to the building envelope and to an appropriate bioclimate design approach [11]. Moreover, the facade influences natural ventilation [12] and acoustic [13], visual, and thermal comfort [14]. Therefore, several advantages may accrue from appropriate and sustainable building envelope design.

Also, non-uniform implementation of building energy codes may contribute to greater technological experimentation in advanced envelope practices. For instance, in 2020 nearly two-thirds of countries were not provided with mandatory building energy codes (Figure 1); and the consequence being that in 2021, approximately 3,500,000,000 m² of new building stock was built without any mandated energy requirement [15].

With the growth of building energy codes, cases of advanced facades began to grow in response. Recently, many countries have moved to update the energy codes increasing the stringency of the requirements and many states of United States (e.g., Florida, California, Utah, and Illinois) and cities (e.g., New York and Philadelphia) are also implementing also local codes [15].

Another significant driving force in the development of advanced facades is undoubtedly the spread of energy and sustainability certifications. Energy certifications can be mandatory (e.g., the EU energy certification) or voluntary (e.g., the Canadian Energy Star) and are focused only on the energy efficiency of the building. On the contrary, the voluntary sustainability rating systems (e.g., LEED [17], BREEAM [18], and Well [19]) are holistic systems that are not focused solely on the energy consumptions but evaluate the building performance from different points of view (daylighting, acoustic, enhancement of the human health, material life cycle, water use, etc.). Building envelopes play a key role in these certifications as they can positively affect several credits in numerous categories related to energy efficiency (energy production, energy performance, etc.) and indoor environmental quality (thermal comfort, daylighting, acoustic, quality views, ventilation, etc.).

Approaches in advanced facades design include optimizing facade properties or configurations (e.g., geometry, thermal properties, optical properties, ventilation, etc.) to dampen the variation in the internal and/or external environment. The concept of the static superinsulation of the envelope is evolving moving toward a dynamic management of the facade system [20]. Smart, responsive, adaptive, intelligent, kinetic, and switchable are a few of the adjectives that describe these emerging envelopes [21].

These responsive systems can range from simple systems, such as automated venetian blinds [22] or roller blinds [23], to more innovative materials and technologies, for example, chromogenic technologies [24], phase-change materials [25], and dynamic insulation [26].

In general, the facades are expected to perform better when part of a fully integrated building design [27]; to that end, advanced facades can be connected to a network of sensors that constantly monitor the activity of the building (e.g., occupancy) and values such as temperature, humidity, and illuminance.

So, with these premises, it is easy to understand that the design and implementation of advanced facade systems play a crucial role in addressing sustainability goals, including reduced energy consumption and improved occupant comfort. This study highlights the importance of facades in achieving the objectives of initiatives like the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development [4], explaining how the creation and use of a best practices map can support the adoption of sustainable and innovative practices in the years to come.

1.3. Comparation with Existing Literature

While previous studies have explored individual aspects of facade design, such as energy performance and material innovations, there is a lack of comprehensive resources that systematically catalog and analyze a diverse range of advanced facade systems. Most of the existing literature [28,29,30] focuses on either the technical performance of facades or isolated case studies, but rarely do studies provide an integrated approach that is accessible and applicable to practitioners in the field.

In developing the Advanced Facade Map, the writers aimed to address a significant research gap: the lack of a comprehensive, centralized database that not only catalogs advanced facade technologies but also organizes them based on both adaptability to climate- and performance-related metrics. The current literature offers a strong foundation for understanding specific elements of high-performance facade design. For instance, Aksamija [31] highlights frameworks that prioritize thermal efficiency and reduced energy consumption. However, while these studies provide valuable insights, they lack an integrative tool that enables users to assess facade technologies across multiple environmental and occupant-focused dimensions. This brings out the need for an approach that systematically combines these aspects, positioning the Map as a unique resource that merges theoretical performance goals with practical, data-driven applications.

This work also builds upon existing frameworks by integrating adaptive and occupant-responsive features into the classification system. For example, recent studies have underscored the importance of facades that dynamically adapt to external climatic variations, a feature increasingly recognized as essential in high-performance buildings. Works by Fortmeyer and Linn [32] and others focus on the potential of kinetic architecture to convert building envelopes into interactive systems. While these studies contribute to our understanding of dynamic facades, they often could probably remain conceptual, lacking a tool that directly translates these principles into actionable case studies and classifications. The Advanced Facade Map fills this gap by documenting adaptive technologies in real-world applications, providing a structured taxonomy that allows designers and researchers to explore facade adaptability as a core component of sustainable architecture.

In comparison to traditional facade documentation approaches, facade maps explicitly addresses the dual needs of performance and adaptability, incorporating elements such as sustainability, climate-responsiveness, energy efficiency, and user comfort. For example, while previous studies by Loonen et al. [33] discuss adaptive facades’ impact on occupant comfort, they do not systematically classify these technologies based on climate or specific environmental performance metrics. The Advanced Facade Map builds on this by offering a comprehensive platform that groups facades according to both technological functionality and environmental context, addressing a practical need for researchers and architects to access data that enables informed facade selection tailored to specific climate zones and building needs.

The work expands on adaptive facade research by addressing not only the technological capabilities of these systems but also their broader implications for sustainable urban development. Studies by authors such as Ding et al. [30] focus on specific performance metrics like thermal performance in double-skin facades but do not address the application of these technologies within a global unified classification system. The Advanced Facade Map introduces this systematic approach, documenting each technology with context-specific data that enables stakeholders to consider long-term sustainability impacts. This contribution represents a step forward in bridging the gap between isolated case studies and an integrated resource that combines climate adaptation with performance metrics in facade design.

While the literature in the field covers various aspects of facade technology—such as thermal regulation, material innovations, and kinetic responsiveness—there remains a significant need for a tool that consolidates these elements into a cohesive, practical framework. The Advanced Facade Map serves this purpose by not only documenting advanced facade technologies but also providing a resource that is both analytically robust and directly applicable to the design process. In this way, the platform supports the transition from theoretical research to practical, data-informed applications, enabling architects and engineers to make evidence-based decisions that align with both environmental goals and occupant-centered design principles. This unique integration of adaptability, performance, and real-world application is what sets our work apart in the current landscape of facade research.

In developing the Advanced Facade Map, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify previous works or existing tools that might offer a similar database or catalog of high-performance or advanced facades. However, no prior studies or resources were found that provide a systematic map specifically designed for documenting advanced facades with a focus on adaptability, climate-responsiveness, and real-world applications. Similarly, reports by the Facade Tectonics Institute address high-performance facades and market barriers but do not provide a tool for empirical analysis and cross-comparative study within diverse climatic and operational contexts [34].

This lack of a comparable resource highlights the unique contribution of the Advanced Facade Map, as it fills an evident gap in facade research by offering a structured, searchable platform that supports both design innovation and empirical analysis in sustainable building envelope technologies. The platform stands as a novel resource, supporting architects, engineers, researchers, and students in making evidence-based, context-specific design choices aligned with both environmental goals and occupant-centered design principles.

1.4. Main Contributions and Benefits

This map makes several key contributions to the field of sustainable building design. First, it is an accessible platform for exploring advanced facade technologies, offering a selection of 44 case studies that highlight best practices in the design and implementation of climate-responsive facades. These case studies showcase innovations in areas such as daylight control, energy generation, and noise reduction, supporting the adoption of sustainable building practices across diverse climates.

Furthermore, the Facade Map serves as an educational tool for both practitioners and students, facilitating knowledge sharing and promoting the adoption of advanced facade technologies. This structured resource not only provides inspiration but also establishes a foundation for further research and development in facade design, contributing to the broader goals of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

By providing a repository of sustainable facade examples, the Advanced Facade Map fosters a culture of environmentally responsible design, guiding architects and engineers in selecting technologies that align with carbon reduction targets and promote resilient building practices.

Considering that new glazing and control technologies, along with new building standards, will continue to drive innovation in building facade design [35], one of the most important contributions of the Map is adding more options as well as constraints to the designer’s palette.

To make informed decisions, professionals benefit from examples of good design practices that meet multiple facade requirements and achieve high performance. Many new building designs have leveraged novel facade strategies and technologies to achieve good energy efficiency while contributing to occupant well-being, yet documentation of their performance is often lacking and/or inconsistent.

Finally, the Map functions as a teaching tool, providing students with an archive of real, existing case studies from which to understand project dynamics, metrics, and best practices scattered around the world.

2. Methods and Process

To develop the Advanced Facade Map, the authors initially focused on analyzing buildings with recognized energy efficiency certifications. This preliminary selection allows for the examination of projects that were widely considered to meet high-performance standards. Further research underscored the importance of sustainable facade strategies that achieve both thermal performance and energy efficiency [31]. Additional studies emphasized advanced building envelopes designed to optimize energy use while maintaining indoor environmental quality [36]. Furthermore, other works contextualized the environmental benefits and adaptability of bioclimatic double-skin facades, showcasing their role in improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort in varying climates [37]. For these reasons, the authors subsequently established the necessity of a comprehensive taxonomy, specifically designed to identify and classify facades that exhibit technologically innovative performance characteristics. To create this taxonomy, the authors started with seven inclusion criteria (Section 2.4) that a facade must meet—at least one of these criteria—to be incorporated into the Map. This rigorous framework ensured that each facade featured in the Map demonstrates a significant advancement in energy efficiency, adaptability, sustainability, or climate responsiveness.

By curating case studies that exemplify best practices across different climate zones and showcasing systems that may be unfamiliar to many professionals, the Advanced Facade Map aims to serve as a resource that informs and inspires the development of sustainable building envelopes.

2.1. Creating a Building and Facade Taxonomy

To organize the wide range of possible data to be collected and displayed, the team completed a new robust taxonomy of building and facade features (

Table 1. Taxonomy of general information, including site information, reasons for inclusion, principal use, and certifications (created by the authors).

GENERAL INFORMATION
Site Information	Reason for inclusion	Principal Use	Certifications

and

Table 2. The design features included in the taxonomy emphasize sustainability-oriented elements, such as the integration of renewable energy sources and materials with low embodied carbon, reinforcing the role of facades in sustainable architecture.

DESIGN FEATURES
Energy Performance	Construction Type	Prevalent Glazing Type	Main Cladding Material
Values	Skin Type		Solar Shading
	Single Skin	Double Skin
Ventilation Strategy
Ventilation Configuration	Relationship To Mechanical System	Operation Type	Control Strategy
Daylight		Noise
Relevant Daylight Metrics	Target Values For these metrics	Max Attenuation Through Facade	Sound att. During Ventilation
Embodied Carbon
Embodied Carbon Intensity	Disassembly/EOL Strategy	Recycled Content by Weight or by Volume Estimated Facade Useful Life
Energy Generation		Insulation
Percentage EUI covered by the Facade	Type of Energy Produced	Type	Monomaterial Building Envelope

), explained in this article but not listed on the website, to be helpful also to other researchers. This taxonomy is also useful for users viewing project details and for filtering among the case studies.

The metrics included on the website are project metrics clearly approved by the project approval authorities, i.e., those that are often provided to the writers by the designers directly. Metrics are not measured during operation and coincide with those of certifications where possible.

2.2. Design and Launch of a Mapping Website

One of the authors’ goals was to make this resource readily accessible to a wide range of users and allowing for submittal of data for projects to be included. For this reason, after analyzing several options, it was decided to opt for a website and content management system based on WordPress. This choice is based on the intuitiveness of both the front-end and back-end. This platform also offers numerous ‘plugins’ that provide many of the features desired and were customized to align with CBE’s visual and content needs.

The filters include many aspects of the taxonomy and allow users to search for examples based on characteristics. The central map was also implemented via visual overlay using the Köppen–Geiger climate classification scheme divided into five main climate groups: tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar, with a graphic to be simplified into main groups only. This makes it possible to see the location of the building in the context of climate.

2.3. Selection of Candidate Buildings

The selection process for the Advanced Facade Map followed a structured and scientifically rigorous methodology (Figure 2) to ensure that only projects demonstrating advanced, sustainable, and innovative facade technologies were included. Initially, we identified seven specific inclusion criteria, each chosen to capture a range of technological and performance-based characteristics in facade design that go beyond basic compliance. This rigorous approach ensured that selected facades addressed contemporary challenges in energy efficiency, environmental adaptability, and occupant comfort. Below is a detailed explanation of each criterion and the technologies that qualified projects needed to exhibit, defined by the authors:

• Daylight Control:

Projects were selected not merely for compliance with standard daylighting codes but for implementing advanced daylight management systems. These included dynamic shading technologies, such as electrochromic or thermochromic glass, and facade geometries designed to optimize natural light while reducing glare and heat gain;

• Solar Control:

We prioritized facades that went beyond basic solar protection, incorporating innovative solutions like responsive shading systems integrated with BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaic) technology. These systems not only reduce heat load through dynamic shading but also generate renewable energy, contributing to the building’s energy autonomy. Selected projects often included adjustable louvers and shading fins controlled by smart sensors that adapt to solar intensity, further minimizing cooling demands and enhancing occupant comfort;

• Natural Ventilation:

Rather than merely meeting baseline ventilation standards, included facades featured advanced ventilation strategies designed for climate adaptability. These systems included double-skin facades with operable vents, allowing for passive cooling and air circulation, hybrid ventilation systems combining mechanical and natural ventilation, and facades with integrated ventilation ducts that facilitate air flow based on external conditions. Such systems not only improve indoor air quality but also reduce energy costs associated with HVAC use;

• Noise Control:

Given the importance of acoustic comfort, selected facades were evaluated for their ability to manage noise effectively in urban or high-noise settings. These facades incorporated multilayered glazing systems, sound-absorbing materials, and insulated paneling designed to create a buffer against external noise pollution. In some cases, facades used custom-designed acoustic baffles or double-layered structures that reduced sound transmission significantly, exceeding typical regulatory requirements;

• Low Embodied Carbon:

Facades with low embodied carbon were prioritized for their environmental benefits. Projects included the use of materials with verified low-carbon footprints, such as sustainably sourced timber, recycled metal components, or bio-based materials. Innovative construction techniques, such as modular assembly and prefabrication, were also considered, as they contribute to reduced transportation emissions and waste. These projects are aligned with international green building standards, aiming to lower the overall carbon impact of the building envelope;

• Energy Generation:

A focus was placed on facades that integrate renewable energy systems, making the facade itself a contributor to the building’s energy needs. BIPV technology was prevalent among selected projects, with facades featuring photovoltaic cells embedded within glazing, spandrels, or shading elements. In addition to solar technologies, some projects could include wind turbines or other renewable energy-generating mechanisms as part of the building envelope, supporting the building’s movement toward net-zero energy goals;

• Innovative Insulation System:

Insulation systems were a critical component, with selected facades demonstrating advanced thermal performance technologies. Projects featured materials such as aerogels, vacuum-insulated panels, or phase-change materials that offer superior thermal insulation compared to conventional insulation methods. These systems help stabilize indoor temperatures, reduce heating and cooling loads, and enhance energy efficiency across different climate conditions.

Each project was rigorously evaluated against these criteria to ensure that only those demonstrating significant advancements in facade technology were included. Of the initial 97 projects, 37 were excluded for not meeting at least one inclusion criterion, despite some possessing certifications. Additionally, 16 projects remain under review due to pending information or further evaluation.

In addition to the parameters already represented, preferences of its primary users were considered, including design professionals, students, and academics. Key design elements—such as usability, accessibility, and the relevance of building characteristics—were prioritized to create a user-centered tool. The Map allows users to filter facade examples based on attributes like energy efficiency, natural ventilation, and shading strategies, thereby facilitating quick access to relevant information. This feature aims to make the Map both a practical tool for professionals and an educational resource for students and researchers.

To accomplish this, the team initially defined a set of screening criteria for inclusion and planned to utilize third-party validations related to performance and architectural standards, including LEED, sustainable building awards (e.g., AIA COTE Top Ten Awards), EnergyStar, BREAM, and WELL, as well as architectural press recognitions and awards for innovation and merit [38] to lay the foundation for the resulting taxonomy. This rigorous selection and exclusion process underscores the authors’ commitment to transparency and aligns with the goal of highlighting high-performance, climate-adaptive facades.

2.4. Providing an Online Form

The next step was to create an online form so that project team members and others can populate the site with detailed project data, using the defined taxonomy.

The form prompts the user to provide the building and facade information in the taxonomy described above. They can also specify which criteria for inclusion are relevant. After the form has been completed, the data remain in draft form until reviewed and published by a research team member.

2.5. Evaluation and Validation

To ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of the Advanced Facade Map, a comprehensive evaluation and validation plan has been established. The evaluation will include both qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on the following key aspects:

• User Feedback and Usability Testing:

Design professionals, students, and faculty members will be invited to use the platform and provide feedback on its usability, accessibility, and relevance. Surveys and focus groups will be conducted to gather insights on user experience and to identify areas for improvement. This iterative feedback process will help refine the platform based on the needs of its primary stakeholders;

• Case Study Accuracy:

To validate the technical accuracy of the documented case studies, the information on each facade will be cross-referenced with the existing literature and verified with industry experts where possible. This verification process aims to ensure that the data provided on energy performance, material use, and environmental impact are accurate and reflective of current industry standards;

• Performance Metrics:

The platform will be evaluated on its ability to facilitate user exploration and support decision-making. Metrics such as user engagement (e.g., time spent on the platform and frequency of case study searches) and content utilization (e.g., number of case studies accessed and specific features explored) will be tracked to assess how effectively the Advanced Facade Map meets its objectives;

• Comparison with Benchmark Resources:

The Advanced Facade Map will be compared with other existing resources in the field of facade design to evaluate its comprehensiveness and utility. Feedback from design practitioners will be sought to determine whether the Map provides a unique and valuable resource compared to other platforms.

This evaluation and validation process will not only enhance the platform’s functionality but also ensure that it serves as a reliable resource for the architecture and construction industries, promoting sustainable and innovative facade design practices. The integration of advanced building envelopes can lead to a reduction in energy consumption by optimizing thermal properties and managing solar gain [36].

3. Results

At the time of this writing, the Map resource holds more than 44 buildings with data provided by the research team, architects, and consultants involved in these case studies.

While the current version of the Advanced Facade Map provides a functional platform for exploring case studies (Figure 3), future iterations will incorporate usability testing to refine its accessibility and effectiveness. Planned usability assessments will focus on gathering feedback from a diverse range of users, including professionals and students, to identify areas for improvement. This feedback will be instrumental in enhancing the Map’s interface and features, ensuring it remains an intuitive and user-friendly resource for the design community.

3.1. The Webmap Resources Tool

Several strategies are being used to obtain information for adding buildings to the Map:

• Independent online data collection. The most common method for adding projects to the Map was pulling information from available online resources to populate the data fields and to post images. While this was deemed the fastest way to add projects, the information available is limited, and as the information is second-hand at best, there are chances for errors. Most of the case studies to date have been added through this process. In some cases, the authors have followed up with design team members to confirm that the information is correct, to ask questions, and/or to obtain additional details;
• Data provided by a project design team member. In this case, the information provided is generally complete and more accurate, with the design team filling out the submittal form directly. As shown in the examples below, the level of detail far exceeds what would be available online. An additional benefit is that images provided by the architect (published only after authorization) include an implied permission for use on the facade map;
• Data provided by manufacturers or facade designers. The authors have developed relationships with leading facade manufacturers and facade consultancies who have suggested numerous advanced facade case studies. While this is beneficial, the provided information tends towards being technical and specific to the performance of the facade. It often needs to be complimented with a collection of general information about the building.

An additional aspect to consider is the possibility of being able to determine a historical trend and evolution, both of the facade concept and of the technologies used. In fact, all buildings are also catalogued by year of construction; this will make it possible in a few years to be able to analyze the historical trend of facades and how far they are evolving and spreading globally.

3.2. Preliminary Quantitative Results

The authors start our analysis with all 97 buildings initially examined. However, after a review process, only 44 buildings were considered valid for the analysis presented here, as the others were either incomplete or did not meet the necessary performance criteria (Figure 4).

Additionally, 16 buildings remain under evaluation, pending further information, while the rest were excluded due to insufficient data or non-compliance with this study’s objectives.

While the United States has a significant number of buildings individually, when the authors consider the data on a continental level, the comparison shifts. North America leads with a total of 26 buildings, followed by Europe with 16 buildings, and Australia with 1 building (Figure 5). This broader view shows that while North America remains dominant in terms of building count, Europe also holds a substantial portion of the data set, making it a notable region in the analysis.

While this overview provides a comprehensive snapshot of the current dataset, it was important to narrow down the scope for a more detailed examination. Hence, in the following section, the authors focus on a smaller subset of buildings to illustrate in greater depth the potential of the Advanced Facade Map for documenting and analyzing facade technologies.

3.3. Selected Case Studies

To demonstrate that the website is just the beginning, and thus a starting point for determining future statistics on sustainability applied to facades, the authors selected five case studies, shown below (

Table 3. List and location of the five selected buildings (source: Advanced Facade Map).

ID	Building Name	City	Country
1	Ken Soble Tower	Hamilton	Canada
2	MacKimmie Tower	Calgary	Canada
3	Hunter Student Commons	Calgary	Canada
4	Bloomberg Headquarters	London	U.K.
5	Alnatura Campus	Darmstadt	Germany

), from which it was possible to extrapolate initial statistics to precisely show the future potential developments and uses of the Map. This approach not only highlights the diversity of advanced facade technologies but also minimizes bias by showcasing projects that address different environmental and design challenges. By implementing these measures, the Advanced Facade Map aims to present a fair and comprehensive overview of high-performance facade systems.

The intended uses have also been taken into consideration to have a more varied data package that could explain the advantages and effects of the Advanced Facades on the different types of buildings.

The buildings analyzed are all located in North American and in Europe. Again, the selection was made to facilitate access to the data necessary to analyze the facades.

3.3.1. Ken Soble Tower

Located in Hamilton, Canada, and designed by Era Architects, the city’s oldest social housing high-rise had suffered significant deterioration in recent years, rendering it almost uninhabitable. This was further compounded by a severe shortage of affordable housing in the city.

This building was included because an extensive retrofit was undertaken, guided by a primary focus on the “building envelope first” strategy. This approach emphasized elevated levels of insulation and air tightness while minimizing thermal bridging in components and assemblies. City Housing Hamilton implemented various sophisticated methods to achieve these objectives, including a fire-resistant R38-effective over-cladding with a mineral wool EIFS rain screen, triple-glazed Canadian fiberglass windows boasting a U-Value of 0.65 W/m²K, and an airtight building that achieved 0.235 ACH at 50 Pa. The retrofit also incorporated internal shades and ceiling fans, an air-source heat-pump central heating and cooling system, high-efficiency energy recovery fans, and drain heat recovery. Diverging significantly from the original structure, the new Ken Soble Tower now embraces a Passive House design philosophy. The overarching aim of this design is to reduce thermal energy demand intensity by an impressive 89%, resulting in an 88% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

The building tab on the facade map provides a comprehensive level of information, detailing the materials used for the facade (stucco), the U-values for both the glazed and solid portions, the Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of the glazed section (59%), the type of skin (single), and the EnerPHit—Quality-Approved Energy Retrofit with Passive House Components Standard Certification.

Regarding the ventilation strategy, the Map indicates a single-sided approach supported by mechanical systems. This system operates manually and can be controlled through a Building Management System (BMS) without overrides. A unique feature is that the control strategy is based on outdoor air temperature, with manual boosts available for enhanced thermal comfort (additional heating, cooling, or fresh air).

However, some data are missing from the sheet, such as the carbon assessment. According to the information provided by those who completed the sheet, this assessment was part of the design phase, but no details were given regarding facade embodied carbon intensity, potential disassembly strategies, or other related strategies.

The CBE Facade Map highlights several key reasons for inclusion, like natural ventilation, low embodied carbon, and insulation system.

Information about this building was found by researching it and contacting Tommaso Bitossi, Associate Director of Transsolar KlimaEngineering Inc. He then provided contact information for Joshua Vanwyck of JMV Consulting. Both firms were actively involved in the consulting for the Ken Soble Tower Passive House. With their input, it was possible to obtain a form with a good degree of completeness and real and truthful information. The key lesson learned is that relying on the relationship with the consulting firm or designers allows one to have much more information and understand the reasons for the technological choices made.

3.3.2. The University of Calgary—MacKimmie Tower

In alignment with the University of Calgary’s strategic vision for achieving a carbon-neutral campus by 2050, the University starts a comprehensive retrofit for the aging MacKimmie Tower from 1970 (Figure 6).

The primary goal was to transition it into a state-of-the-art, advanced building with a net-zero carbon footprint. Remarkably, the Tower now operates with an 85% improvement in energy efficiency, earning prestigious recognition from the CaGBC. Both the provincial and national Green Building Excellence Zero Carbon Awards underscore the Tower’s transformation into a beacon of innovation for enhancing existing structures.

A notable aspect worth exploring involves the double-skinned facade, characterized by an interior glazing line and a 4-foot-wide interstitial space featuring exterior glazing. This design incorporates several innovative elements, such as active shading systems and fully automated operable windows at both the inner and outer glazing lines. Users have the flexibility to manually override the window automation for a more personalized comfort experience. Leveraging Calgary’s substantial diurnal temperature variations, the system conducts nighttime flushes or purges following warmer days. The facade is unique in terms of technology; it has an inner layer of triple-glazed windows mounted on a double-skin facade with a geometric corridor configuration and an open cavity ventilation type. In addition, the building has an energy consumption intensity of 75 kWh/m²/year and an on-site renewable energy percentage of 23%. Finally, the natural ventilation system can serve only 40% of the building area, demonstrating careful integration of sustainable design principles.

In this case as well, the building tab contains all the data required by the Map. In addition to the details previously mentioned, users have provided other crucial information, such as the ventilation strategy, which is both double-sided and stack or atrium enabled. This strategy is integrated with the mechanical system, allowing for manual control or override through a Building Management System (BMS) to adjust ventilation based on various parameters, including temperature, humidity, weather conditions, and pressure measurements.

Furthermore, significant information was submitted regarding certifications, including LEED and CaGBC Net Zero Carbon Certification. The CBE Facade Map incorporates several essential features. It ensures daylight control, solar control, and natural ventilation for optimal indoor conditions. Additionally, it addresses noise control, and the facades contribute to energy generation.

For this building, the writers benefited from verified data as they were entered directly by the designer. In fact, John Soules, an architect at DIALOG, provided all the information necessary to fill in the form on the Map. For this reason, the building has a high degree of completeness.

3.3.3. The University of Calgary—Hunter Student Commons

The other building designed by Dialog CA for the University of Calgary is the Hunter Student Commons (Figure 7). The building is in the heart of campus, next to the MacKimmie Tower. The building features an advanced facade that integrates daylighting, solar control, natural ventilation, and energy generation strategies. The facade consists of a double-skin system with operable windows, external louvers, and photovoltaic panels. The facade design responds to the local climate and site conditions, as well as the functional and aesthetic requirements of the building program.

The building has four floors, with a total area of 3600 m². The ground floor houses a cafe, a lounge, and a multipurpose room. The upper floors contain study spaces, meeting rooms, and offices for student groups. The building also has a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the campus and the city.

The facade is composed of two layers: an inner layer of triple-glazed windows, and an outer layer of aluminum louvers and photovoltaic panels. The inner layer provides thermal insulation and acoustic comfort, while the outer layer reduces solar heat gain and glare and generates electricity from the sun. The windows and louvers are operable, allowing natural ventilation and user control. The facade is oriented towards the south and west, where the solar exposure is highest. The facade also creates a dynamic and distinctive appearance for the building, reflecting the changing light and weather conditions throughout the day and the seasons. This technology is possible because the facade has an inner layer of triple-glazed windows in a double-skin facade with a corridor geometrical configuration and an open cavity ventilation type.

Thanks to the comprehensive information provided by the designers in the tab, the depth of detail is impressive and satisfying. The Hunter Student Commons boasts a commendable energy production of approximately 75 kWh/m² per year, with a notable U-value on the solid facade of around 0.16 W/(m²K). While this may appear superficial for a building with a WWR of 90%, it ensures greater consistency in terms of transmittance. A crucial piece of information highlighted by the tab’s authors pertains to the disassembly strategy. By using 6.82% recycled glass and 45% recycled aluminum, the designers have not only reduced the environmental impact of the facade but also selected materials that can support an efficient end-of-life disassembly strategy. Recycled glass and aluminum are more likely to be processed for reuse, as these materials can be easily separated and reintroduced into recycling streams. This approach enhances the future disassembly potential by prioritizing materials that can be dismantled and repurposed, aligning with sustainable design practices and minimizing waste at the end of the building’s life cycle.

These factors, among others, have enabled the building to attain the 2020 Canadian Green Building Council—Net Zero Carbon Design certification. The only missing data pertain to daylight simulation, which was considered during the design phase but for which sDA values were not provided.

For this building, the CBE Facade Map integrates multiple essential features, including daylight control, solar control, natural ventilation, noise control, energy generation, and an innovative insulation system. These elements collectively enhance the efficiency, comfort, and sustainability of the building’s facade and make it an advanced one.

As noted above, a high level of completeness was accomplished with information provided by a knowledgeable member of the architectural design team.

3.3.4. Bloomberg European Headquarters

Another case studied on the website is in London, UK, and is an office building designed by the globally recognized architectural firm Foster+Partners (Figure 8), spanning an impressive area of 102,000 m². This building is a testament to the possibilities of sustainable design, incorporating advanced strategies for daylight control, solar control, natural ventilation, and noise control into a stunning architectural design. The building’s design and construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, setting a new standard for office buildings worldwide.

The building’s solar shading strategy employs static exterior shading, which contributes to the building’s energy efficiency.

Natural ventilation is a key feature of the building’s design. Approximately 70% of the building, virtually all the open plan office areas, can be served solely by natural ventilation. This ventilation is controlled by a Building Management System (BMS) with overrides, and the strategy is based on outdoor air temperature. When natural ventilation is on, the mechanical systems are off, demonstrating an alternative relationship to mechanical systems. This natural ventilation strategy can serve the building for approximately 60% of occupied hours.

The building’s facade plays a significant role in noise control. The maximum sound attenuation through the facade is 45 dB, and during natural ventilation, the sound attenuation is 30 dB. The construction type of the building is massive, with a curtain wall facade construction. The prevalent glazing type is double glazing, and the main cladding material is glass, with other cladding materials including bronze and Portland stone. The approximate Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR), measured from the inside, is 50%. The typical U-value of the glazed facade elements is 1 W/(m²⋅K), and the G-value is 45%. The Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of the glazed facade elements is 70%. The typical U-value of the solid facade elements is 0.4 W/(m²⋅K). The building’s skin type is a single skin facade. The facade does not have a dynamic U-value, and it is not a monomaterial envelope.

In conclusion, for the Bloomberg London HQ, the Map includes important features, like daylight control, solar control, natural ventilation, and noise control.

The technical contribution of the architect Giovanni Betti, at the time a collaborator of the CBE, now Senior Associate at the architectural practice HENN, was fundamental for this building. He personally collaborated in the drafting of the project and through the consultation of a series of technical documents, it was possible to obtain a high degree of completeness.

3.3.5. Alnatura Campus

The Alnatura Campus (Figure 9) in Darmstadt, Germany, is a unique example of sustainable architecture and design. This three-story high office building, designed by Haas Cook Zemmrich Studio 2050, covers a gross floor area of 10,000 square meters. The particularity of the building is the structure within; Alnatura Campus stands out with distinctive elements, as better described in this section. Among these features is the pioneering adoption of a rammed-earth facade, marking a global precedent. Notably, it introduces the groundbreaking concept of geothermal wall heating, a pioneering approach to sustainable energy. Additionally, the design includes a noteworthy wooden lamella ceiling with sound-absorbing properties. This ceiling spans across the atrium and the fully open office space, adding to the building’s remarkable attributes.

The key innovation and technology aspects of the project include the following:

• Exterior shading: the windows in the rammed earth facades have exterior shading;
• Natural ventilation: the building is naturally ventilated, with an earth duct preconditioning the outside air, which then enters the office areas via floor outlets. Users can also open the windows;
• Lighting: the course of the sun was considered to provide optimal natural light throughout the whole building;
• Air exhaust: the air is exhausted at the top of the central atrium.

The building’s construction type is massive, with a curtain wall facade construction. The main cladding material for the Alnatura Campus is rammed earth, a sustainable choice that reflects the building’s emphasis on environmental stewardship. This material is complemented by wood and other natural elements, aligning with the design’s focus on sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

This building was designed with several key features. It provides effective daylight control, ensuring optimal illumination within the building. Additionally, it offers solar control, mitigating excessive heat gain from sunlight. The facade also facilitates natural ventilation, promoting fresh air circulation. Furthermore, it contributes to noise control, minimizing external disturbances. Lastly, the use of materials with low embodied carbon makes it environmentally friendly and sustainable.

While the building’s characteristics are adequately outlined in the tab, it appears to lack specific details in certain areas. The facade typology is meticulously described, as is the ventilation system, which is both stack- and atrium-enabled, with both mechanical and natural controls that operate simultaneously and are based on indoor CO₂ concentrations. However, the project includes studies on daylight simulation and carbon assessment, yet it lacks data on metrics such as Daylight Factor (DF) and spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) for daylighting, as well as information on the quantity of recycled materials used and strategies for disassembly for the carbon assessment.

The authors became aware of the project of Alnatura Campus through its presentation at a thematic conference. Subsequently, once the project was identified, the members of the CBE began some correspondence with Transsolar KlimaEngineering Inc. and its representatives Tommaso Bitossi and Moni Lauster. After explaining the upload form, the latter filled the form with all the data in their possession and furthermore enriched the form by uploading some unpublished images.

3.4. Quantitative Results and Potential Statistical Applications for the Case Study Features

Through the data that can be found on the Map, it is possible to determine some interesting tables about the analyzed buildings. For example,

Table 4. Analysis of the reason for inclusions for the building type of all the building analyzed.

	Daylight Control	Energy Generation	Innovative Insulation System	Natural Ventilation	Noise Control	Solar Control
Cultural	6	1	1	6	1	2
Institutional	6	3	2	5	2	7
Office	12	6	5	13	4	13
Other	0	0	0	1	0	1
Residential	0	0	1	1	0	0
Total	24	10	9	26	7	23

reports the reason for inclusions for the building type of the analyzed buildings, providing a comprehensive overview of their main performances depending on their building use.

Among the analyzed buildings, the most common construction type is the curtain wall, found in 20 buildings, while massive facade construction is seen in 7 buildings. Other methods, such as frame facade and modular facade, appear less frequently, with four and two buildings, respectively. Additionally, 10 buildings were categorized under “Unknown” or other construction types.

From a technological standpoint, innovative insulation systems are implemented in nine buildings, reflecting a moderate use of advanced insulation strategies. Natural ventilation is featured in 26 buildings, demonstrating the prominence of passive ventilation techniques, while solar control systems are applied in 23 buildings, emphasizing the importance of managing solar gain.

Furthermore, the dataset reveals that these 44 buildings have obtained a total of 44 certifications, averaging 1 certification per building, highlighting the significant role of sustainable design validations.

In this article, the authors have shown other possible way to exploit the data on the webpage by analyzing the cluster of all buildings currently on the site.

In this way, for example, it was possible to analyze which buildings present reasons for inclusion according to their type of use (Figure 10).

Or, for example, the facade construction type depending on the climate zone (Figure 11).

These data are clearly reduced to a small cluster of buildings, but it shows the possibilities of using the webpage, which by collecting data on these types of facades, can generate endless statistics on the overall trend of technologies applied to facades.

4. Discussion

The design of building facades plays a crucial role in addressing occupant needs for health, comfort, and productivity, while also significantly impacting energy efficiency and sustainability. The Advanced Facade Map developed in this study provides a valuable framework for identifying and promoting facade technologies that meet these goals, thus supporting the global adoption of sustainable practices in architecture.

Analysis of the mapped buildings reveals important insights into facade construction types across climate zones. For instance, curtain wall facades dominate, particularly in continental and temperate climates, where these systems are favored for their adaptability in optimizing thermal insulation and natural light. Approximately 60% of the examined buildings use double or triple glazing, and over 70% employ thermal break structures, collectively contributing to an estimated 15% reduction in energy demand for heating and cooling compared to standard facade systems. These features illustrate the value of advanced glazing in reducing thermal conduction and enhancing occupant comfort. Nonetheless, these findings are introductory, and further research across diverse climatic conditions is necessary to validate these impacts comprehensively.

The Map also underscores the varied functional uses of facades in different building types. In office buildings, which constitute a large portion of the Map’s dataset, daylight control and natural ventilation are primary design drivers, with additional emphasis on solar control, energy generation, and noise control [37]. These priorities likely reflect a focus on reducing artificial lighting and ventilation needs, enhancing indoor comfort and lowering energy consumption. Conversely, institutional buildings show a balanced emphasis on daylight control, natural ventilation, and noise control, indicating a design approach that caters to a broad range of occupant needs in environments where comfort requirements are more varied.

From a geographical perspective, the Map shows that most of these advanced facade systems are located in the United States, followed by Canada and Germany. This distribution reflects the prevalence of sustainable design practices in North America and parts of Europe, where stringent environmental regulations and increased awareness of climate issues drive the adoption of advanced facade technologies.

In addition to the qualitative insights provided by the Map, quantitative data reveal common facade design strategies aimed at minimizing heat conduction and enhancing energy performance. For example, double- and triple-glazed units combined with thermal break structures are employed as best practices to address thermal losses. The strategic placement of glass and shading devices also helps to control heat gain, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and thereby lowering overall energy consumption.

The Advanced Facade Map demonstrates how carefully selected facade technologies can provide substantial performance benefits. This mapping tool offers a foundation for wider adoption of these technologies, which is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability targets such as Challenge 2030 and the European Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, to maximize its impact, the Map will require continuous updates and expanded datasets, including comparative analyses with baseline technologies. This will not only enhance the Map’s utility but also support its role as a resource for advancing sustainable architecture practices on a global scale.

5. Conclusions

This study underscores the pivotal role that advanced facade systems can play in shaping the future of sustainable building design. Through innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies, these systems have demonstrated their potential to significantly enhance energy efficiency, improve occupant comfort, and reduce environmental impact. The results showcase the value of integrating advanced facades into modern architecture, offering a pathway to more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for the built environment. The following sections delve into the economic advantages and the technical innovations that solidify the importance of these facade systems in meeting future sustainability goals.

5.1. Limitations and Future Work

While the Advanced Facade Map offers valuable insights into facade design and implementation, certain limitations should be acknowledged. First, the scope of this study is primarily introductory, focusing on qualitative assessments rather than detailed quantitative analysis. The results are based on a sample of 35 buildings, which, while diverse, may not represent the full spectrum of facade designs across different climate zones and building typologies.

Future work will aim to expand the database by including a larger variety of case studies from different regions and climates. Plans are also underway to incorporate real-time performance data, which would provide users with a clearer understanding of how these facades perform over time. Further developments, with the maintenance of the Center for the Built Environment, may involve collaborations with industry partners to validate the economic benefits associated with advanced facade technologies, offering a more robust tool for decision-making in sustainable building practices.

5.2. Economic Significance and Potential Applications

The Advanced Facade Map is positioned as a valuable cross-industry tool, serving as a bridge between academia and industry, as demonstrated by the appreciation received during the presentation at the Façade Tectonics World Congress in October 2024. While its primary aim is to create cultural value by promoting sustainable facade design practices, it also holds significant economic potential [37]. By providing a comprehensive resource for students, practitioners, and industry professionals, the platform supports informed decision-making in facade design, which can lead to more cost-effective and sustainable building projects.

In terms of industry impact, the Advanced Facade Map offers a database of best practices that can challenge existing models in the construction and architecture sectors [39]. It encourages the adoption of innovative facade technologies that are not only sustainable or energy-efficient but also cost-saving in the long term, as they reduce building operational costs and enhance durability. This resource can therefore play a crucial role in reshaping industry standards, prompting stakeholders to consider sustainable design not just as an ethical imperative but as an economically advantageous strategy.

Moreover, by linking academic research with real-world applications, the Map creates an ecosystem where new facade solutions can be tested, validated, and optimized before large-scale implementation. In this way, it contributes to the economic viability of advanced facade systems, fostering a culture of innovation that is both economically and environmentally sustainable.

5.3. Technical Significance

From a technical standpoint, the evolution of construction choices and the integration of automation systems to support dynamic facades present upcoming challenges and opportunities. Future advancements aim for improved advanced facade performance at lower costs, potentially meeting new minimum standards.

While justifying the additional cost of advanced facades’ elements can be challenging, their impact on livability and reduced building operational costs, as indicated in the provided analysis, underscores their importance. While these design methods showcase potential pathways for innovation, claiming they drive industry-wide innovation would require additional evidence [36]. Future studies could explore the broader impacts of these facade technologies on CO₂ reduction and other environmental benefits. Also important are some developments on the possibility of making facade components circular and reusable [40].

The Map, as an online tool, proves valuable for benchmarking solutions, considering various factors. The increasing adoption of these technologies signals emerging market needs, not only economically but also environmentally and technologically. Future developments of the Map may include historical and geographical extensions, offering specific design guidelines tailored to different periods and locations. This study underscores the potential for advanced facade technologies to drive sustainability in the built environment by optimizing resource use and reducing carbon footprints. Future developments of the Advanced Facade Map will continue to emphasize the role of facades in meeting sustainability goals, reinforcing the importance of integrating these systems into building design to achieve long-term environmental benefits.

Future iterations of the Advanced Facade Map may integrate augmented reality (AR) tools, allowing users to visualize facade systems in a virtual environment, or a GPS glocalization to find the “closer” example of advanced or sustainable facades. Additionally, expanding the platform to include building facades from various historical periods and geographic regions will provide a broader educational resource. Longitudinal studies are also planned to assess the long-term energy performance of facades included in the Map, offering insights into operational costs, durability, and maintenance. These enhancements aim to position the Map as a continuously evolving resource that adapts to emerging trends and challenges within the field of facade design.