Search Results (212)

Green façades are acknowledged as passive strategies that reduce heat accumulation, enhance biodiversity, improve particulate matter absorption and provide psycho-physiological benefits for users. However, evaluations of their thermal performance—accounting for seasonality, vegetation density, and leaf characteristics—remain incomplete. This study addresses this gap by assessing two green façade typologies on a sample building located in Northern Italy (Cfa climate). ENVI-met microclimate simulations compared a bare wall with vegetated façades featuring Hedera helix (evergreen) and Parthenocissus tricuspidata (deciduous) across four orientations and seasonal conditions, considering the sample building and the immediate surrounding outdoor space. Both species reduced wall-surface temperatures (T₀) and improved outdoor thermal comfort perception (PET), influenced by LAI dynamics, foliage persistence, and façade orientation. Results indicate that Parthenocissus tricuspidata achieved the greatest cooling effect during hot periods due to higher LAI, with absolute T₀ reductions of up to 22.1 °C on southern façades and 30.0 °C on western façades. In these orientations, PET improvements reached up to 3.0 °C (south) and 8.0 °C (west). Conversely, Hedera helix ensured stable year-round performance and performed better on northern façades during colder periods. The results stress the need for integrated design that aligns plant choice with orientation and seasonal growth to optimize thermal performance, cut cooling demands, and improve outdoor comfort. Full article

China’s rapid urbanization has accelerated the transition of residential development toward high-density models. As a critical interface between architecture and the urban environment, residential facades reflect evolving design strategies, living demands, and technological conditions. However, due to the complexity and diversity of facade components, the underlying influencing factors of facade evolution remain insufficiently explored. This study focuses on Shenzhen, a typical high-density city in southern China, and quantitatively analyzes 225 residential facades from 1980 to 2024 using HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis). The results show that the development of residential facades in Shenzhen presents continuous and staged evolutionary characteristics, with a transition from simplified, function-oriented configurations to diversified and technology-integrated forms. Six clusters of facade types are identified, and the analysis reveals that this evolution is driven by the combined effects of policies and design standards (external factors), resident demand (internal factors), and technological development (technical support), rather than merely stylistic changes. This study establishes a quantitative classification framework to identify the evolutionary patterns and influencing factors of residential facades, enriches the research system of high-density residential facades, provides methodological support for facade analysis, and offers both theoretical and practical guidance for facade design in subtropical high-density cities. Full article

Tropical daylight provision is inherently coupled with intensive solar heat gains, particularly in south-facing rooms that experience pronounced seasonal variations in solar altitude and exposure across different times of the year. When appropriately designed, external shading devices can mitigate solar heat gains while maintaining adequate indoor daylight availability. This study investigates the daylighting and thermal performance of a representative south-facing apartment room equipped with combined horizontal and vertical slat-based shading devices using a controlled, comparative simulation framework under tropical climate conditions. Parametric simulations were conducted using IES-VE to evaluate multiple shading configurations with varying slat positions, depths, and combinations under representative sky conditions and seasonal design days. The results demonstrate that mid-height horizontal slat configurations reduced front-zone Estimated Indoor Illuminance (EII) by up to 54.9%, while enhancing daylight penetration into deeper areas under direct sunlight conditions. Bottom horizontal slats further improved daylight distribution by reflecting sunlight into deeper zones, producing peak increases in EII of up to 26.8% in the middle zone and 19.7% in the rear zone under direct solar conditions. The addition of vertical slats further improved thermal performance by limiting lateral solar exposure without significantly diminishing the daylight-redirecting effects of horizontal elements. Selected integrated shading configurations achieved maximum reductions in operative temperature of up to 2.5 °C during peak afternoon periods compared with the base case within the adopted evaluation framework. However, under intermediate sky conditions without direct solar contribution, the daylighting and thermal benefits of slat-based shading were substantially reduced. Based on these findings, the study proposes a movable external shading system with adjustable horizontal and vertical slats for south-facing apartment rooms, intended to respond to changing solar conditions across the evaluated design days. Overall, this study provides mechanism-oriented insights to support the development of climate-responsive façade strategies for tropical high-rise residential buildings, with the aim of improving daylight distribution and reducing cooling demand. Full article

Low-frequency acoustic fields—common in ventilation ducts, building façades, and industrial infrastructure—remain an underutilized source for ambient energy harvesting, particularly in humid environments where conventional contact-based or mechanically resonant harvesters may degrade over time. This study introduces a theoretical framework for converting acoustic pressure oscillations into electrical power through acoustic–electrokinetic coupling and proposes the Acoustic Baroionic Harvester (ABH) as a solid-state concept combining a Helmholtz resonator with a charged nanoporous membrane. The model is derived from coupled electrokinetic and fluid-mechanical governing relations, leading to closed-form expressions for the open-circuit voltage, internal electrokinetic resistance, and maximum deliverable power as functions of membrane surface charge, electrolyte properties, pore geometry, and resonance-induced pressure amplification. Numerical simulations are performed to validate the analytical scaling laws and to determine operating regimes that maximize power transfer to an external load. Under representative low-frequency acoustic excitation, the ABH predicts open-circuit voltages on the order of tens of millivolts and maximum power densities in the sub-microwatt-per-square-centimeter range. A compact CAD conceptual design tuned to approximately 120 Hz with a moderate resonance quality factor supports the feasibility of practical integration. The proposed approach enables micro-power generation from persistent low-frequency acoustic sources and provides a physically grounded pathway for self-powered sensing applications in built and industrial environments. Full article

The use of sustainable building materials is becoming increasingly important in order to reduce their environmental impact. This article draws attention to the lack of life cycle assessment (LCA) of building façades, which would take into account national conditions. The aim of the work is to assess the environmental impact of various building façade solutions. The analysis concerned a ventilated façade on an aluminum substructure with a fiber cement board and external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) with expanded polystyrene (EPS). The assessed façades differed with regard to the used insulation materials. The study aims to select more ecological façades, while at the same time taking into account national conditions, which is important at the stage of designing a building. The study also aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by providing information concerning the environmental analysis of building façades based on real data. Based on a comparative analysis, it was shown that ETICSs with EPS have higher façade-damage category indicators in all impact categories except for eutrophication, human toxicity (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic), and resource use related to minerals and metals, for which the ventilated façade shows higher values. Additionally, hot-spots for the analyzed façades were also presented. In the case of a ventilated façade, the determinant is the used insulating material, which is mineral wool. In the case of ETICS, it is the finish coat. For the first time in Poland, the LCA of a ventilated façade and ETICS was presented based on real data. The results of this study can be used as the first step of a full cradle-to-grave LCA for buildings. Full article

International accreditation has become a pivotal mechanism through which universities outside Europe seek legitimacy and alignment with global quality regimes, particularly regarding sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study investigates how non-EU universities adapt to ASIIN accreditation, focusing on its role in developing a sustainable quality culture that supports long-term educational excellence and social responsibility. Drawing on new institutionalism, the analysis views accreditation as a process of institutional change under isomorphic pressures necessary for the sustainability of quality assurance (QA). Data were derived from a triangulated dataset, including 78 publicly available final accreditation reports via the DEQAR database and expert on-site observations across multiple non-EU universities. The analysis identifies systemic challenges, such as ‘facade conformity’ in learning outcomes and fragmented QA loops, which reveal an ‘adaptive lag’ impeding the sustainable implementation of quality standards. The study concludes by proposing an “Expert-Facilitated, Institutionally-Embedded Evidence Loop” framework to bridge external compliance and internal quality enhancement, thereby ensuring the long-term viability and global relevance of engineering education in alignment with SDGs. Full article

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential applications of pine cones as plant-based waste material in the construction industry. In order to achieve this target, the pine cone particles (PCP) are mixed with cement to create new lightweight concretes. Furthermore, pine tree resin (PTR), acting as a natural bio-polymer binder, is incorporated into selected samples to ascertain its potential as a binder. The pine cones are cut into particles of 2–4 cm, 0–2 cm, and ground into a powder. A series of critical tests is conducted on the novel produced samples, including thermal conductivity, specific heat, density, compressive strength, water absorption rate, and drying rate. The experiments show that thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal expansion coefficient decrease as the weight ratio and size of PCP increase. The presence of PTR increases porosity, further decreasing thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal expansion coefficients for the majority of samples. The compressive strength values decrease with the presence of PTR and PCP. Regarding durability, the water absorption ratios remain below the critical 30% threshold, making the material suitable for internal applications or external facades protected by coating/plaster or as external coverings. Full article

In regions with hot summers and cold winters, elderly care buildings face the dual challenges of high energy consumption and stringent thermal comfort requirements. Using Nanchang as a case study, this research presents an optimization approach that integrates phase change material (PCM) walls with the window-to-wall ratio (WWR). PCM wall performance was tested experimentally, and EnergyPlus simulations were conducted to assess building energy use for WWR values ranging from 0.25 to 0.50, with and without PCM. The phase change material (PCM) used in this study is paraffin (an organic phase change material), which has a melting point of 26 °C and can store and release heat during temperature fluctuations. The experimental results show that PCM walls effectively reduce heat transfer, lowering the surface temperatures of external, central, and internal walls by 3.9 °C, 3.8 °C, and 3.7 °C, respectively, compared to walls without PCM. The simulation results predict that the PCM wall can reduce air conditioning energy consumption by 8.2% in summer and total annual energy consumption by 14.2%. The impact of WWR is orientation-dependent: east and west façades experience significant cooling penalties as WWR increases and should be maintained at or below 0.30; the south façade achieves optimal performance at a WWR of 0.40, with the lowest total energy load (111.2 kW·h·m-2); and the north façade performs best at the lower bound (WWR = 0.25). Under the combined strategy (south wall with PCM and WWR = 0.40), annual total energy consumption is reduced by 9.8% compared to the baseline (no PCM), with indoor temperatures maintained between 18 and 26 °C. This range is selected based on international thermal comfort standards (e.g., ASHRAE) and comfort research specifically targeting the elderly population, ensuring comfort for elderly occupants. These findings offer valuable guidance for energy-efficient design in similar climates and demonstrate that the synergy between PCM and WWR can reduce energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort. Full article

The successful deployment of 3D printing in outdoor applications is contingent upon the selection of materials capable of withstanding the degrading effects of weather. This study evaluates the colorimetric performance of various 3D-printed polymers exposed to natural weathering conditions in Brasov, Romania, from November 2024 to March 2025. Color changes were monitored through spectrophotometry using a PCE-XXM 20 color meter, and data were recorded in the LAB color space. The results indicate substantial differences in color stability among the tested materials, with some exhibiting unacceptable levels of fading and discoloration. These findings have significant implications for the design and implementation of outdoor 3D-printed products in climates analogous to that of Brasov, underscoring the importance of selecting materials with demonstrated resistance to weathering and color change. Full article

The article presents the results of a comprehensive full-scale investigation of the influence of solar radiation on the thermal behavior of the exterior envelope systems of two residential buildings of different heights—a 9-storey building in Turkestan and a 25-storey building in Shymkent. The façade systems of both buildings consist of a multilayer enclosure with a ventilated air cavity, 100 mm wide in the 9-storey building and 50 mm wide in the 25-storey building. The objective of the study was to determine the diurnal and vertical dynamics of temperature fields, analyze the thermal inertia of the materials, and assess the effect of façade geometry on heat-transfer performance. Thermographic measurements were carried out during key periods of the day (7:00, 10:00, 13:00, and 17:00), which enabled coverage of the full solar-insolation cycle. The results showed that the maximum temperatures of the external cladding reached 48–52 °C for the 9-storey building and 53–58 °C for the 25-storey building, with a vertical temperature gradient of 3–7 °C. The temperature of the interior surface varied within 28–32 °C and 29–34 °C, respectively, reflecting the influence of both solar heating and the width of the ventilation cavity on heat transfer. It was found that reducing the air-gap width intensifies natural convection and decreases the thermal inertia of the system, resulting in sharper temperature fluctuations. The study demonstrates that current design standards insufficiently account for the vertical non-uniformity of solar exposure and the aerodynamic processes within the ventilation channel. The findings can be used in the design of energy-efficient façade systems, in the refinement of regulatory methodologies, and in the development of heat-transfer models for high-rise buildings under conditions of increased solar radiation. Full article

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in high-rise residential buildings is an increasing concern, especially in hot and humid climates where prolonged indoor exposure elevates health risks. This study evaluates the performance of Fresh Air Handling Units (FAHUs) using two complementary approaches: (1) real-time sensor data to quantify IAQ conditions and (2) occupant survey responses to capture perceived comfort and pollution indicators. The results show that floor level did not predict satisfaction, even though AQI data revealed clear differences between flats, suggesting perceptions are driven more by sensory cues than by actual pollutant levels. Longer weekday exposure emerged as a stronger predictor of dissatisfaction. These gaps between perceived and measured IAQ highlight the need for improved ventilation scheduling and greater occupant awareness. FAHUs were found to be inefficient, consuming 21–26% of total building energy while lacking pollutant-specific monitoring capabilities. To address these issues, the study recommends the integration of IoT-enabled sensors for real-time pollutant detection, enhanced facade sealing to minimize external infiltration, and the upgrade of filtration systems with HEPA filters and UV purification. Additionally, AI-driven predictive maintenance and automated ventilation optimization through Building Management Systems (BMS) are suggested. These findings offer valuable insights for improving IAQ management in high-rise buildings, with future research focusing on AI-based predictive modeling for dynamic air quality control. Full article

The building sector faces sustainability issues due to its substantial resource demand, prompting the exploration of alternative materials of natural origin. Given the diverse environmental conditions buildings experience, assessing the impact of these conditions on the mechanical characteristics of alternative materials becomes crucial. This study focuses on a composite comprising stone, agglomerate cork core and glass fiber-reinforced epoxy skins, designed for ventilated facades. The composite underwent an aging cycle commonly applied in the evaluation of construction building materials to evaluate its flexural behavior. To that end, bending tests on unaged and aged samples were carried out to investigate both the bending strength and stiffness. The composite panels were tested in two configurations: (i) stone facing up and (ii) stone facing down. The results indicated that higher bending strength was found in samples where the stone was facing up, regardless of the aging condition. In the stone facing up configuration, the predominant failure mode was stone crushing, whereas the samples in the stone facing down configuration evidenced a failure mechanism of fiber breakage. Despite the observed morphological differences between aged and unaged specimens, no significant difference was found regarding the bending strength and failure modes in both tested configurations. However, a flexural stiffness reduction of at least 21% was found for every aged specimen. Full article

The building sector accounts for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and over one-third of energy-related carbon emissions. Therefore, it is vital to adopt low-carbon design strategies. Double-Skin Façades (DSFs) offer significant potential to improve energy efficiency through the dynamic control of heat and daylight. This study evaluates the combined effects of building orientation, fixed shading devices, and adjustable blinds on the performance of DSFs across six cities representing diverse climate types: Phoenix, Stockholm, Kuala Lumpur, London, Cape Town, and Tokyo. Using a model developed in DesignBuilder, 852 scenarios were simulated with 5-min time steps over a full year. The results show that optimal orientation depends on the climate and that cooling load may be reduced up to 59%, with CO₂ emission savings up to 11.7% compared to a base south-facing configuration. External blinds outperformed internal blinds in reducing the cooling demand, reaching reductions of up to 27.7% in hot climates, though often increasing the heating load in cold climates. Combining overhangs and external blinds provided additional cooling savings in some cases but was generally less effective than external blinds alone. The findings highlight the importance of climate-specific DSF designs, with orientation and external blinds being the most effective strategies for reducing operational energy use and emissions. Full article

Relatively uniform consumption of a large amount of electrical energy intended for the current operation of the equipment of multi-story student dormitories indicates several actions aimed at renovation of these dormitories using photovoltaic installations producing electricity to replace the energy supplied from external networks. The research allowed for parameterization of input and output data, defining several innovative parametric and discrete models used in modernization processes and constituting the basis for optimizing energy renovations in terms of the substitutability of grid energy, payback periods, and investment costs. A new method developed to renovate dormitories was supported by an application elaborated in the visual parametric Rhino/Grasshopper design environment. This application enables automatic uploading of various meteorological data files and programming the loads, properties, and operation of the designed photovoltaic installation. This method results in a single optimal solution concerning a building renovation process, which allows for fully automated execution of the above activities. The developed models were configured based on a real renovated multi-story residence student hall located on the Central European Plain, for which a 34.3% balance of the replaced grid energy was carried out. The optimizing processes concerning the geometric properties and orientation of photovoltaic panels resulted in −30° of azimuth, 210 m² of total surface area, and 14° of tilt of photovoltaic panels distributed on the south façade, with 193 m² of surface area, 42° of tilt of panels arranged on the east façade, and an optimal payback period of 99 months. The invented algorithm, parametric models, computer programs, simulations, and optimizing calculations fill the gap in variant-optimized modelling and simplify the design processes of renovations of multi-story residence halls. These objects provide a basis for expanding the method to include other types of dormitory modernizations. Full article

The intensification of thermal stress in cities due to urbanization and climate change underscores the urgent need to improve outdoor habitability. This study analyses the influence of three opaque façade technologies—traditional, lightweight and external thermal insulation composite systems—combined with two albedo levels (0.30 and 0.80), on summer outdoor conditions in Mendoza (Argentina), Madrid (Spain) and Campinas (Brazil). Using a calibrated microclimatic model with ENVI-met v5.6 software, a digital replica of a 10-storey urban canyon was simulated to generate 18 scenarios, assessing the effect of façade thermal mass and reflectivity on the urban microclimate. The results show that (i) scenarios that mainly affect air temperature (AT) are those that modify the thermal mass of the façade technologies. For example, traditional technology with a low albedo reduce maximum AT by up to 1.2 °C in Campinas, 0.89 °C in Mendoza, and 0.81 °C in Madrid compared to light technology with the same albedo level. (ii) Mean radiant temperature (MRT) increases significantly in scenarios involving lightweight façade by 4.53 °C in Madrid, 4.46 °C in Mendoza, and 3.39 °C in Campinas. Conversely, increasing façade albedo further amplifies MRT due to multiple reflections in urban canyons with increases of 6.50 °C in Campinas, 6.09 °C in Mendoza, and 5.33 °C in Madrid. The impact is more pronounced with traditional façades. (iii) Traditional façades and low-albedo ETIC systems experience the fewest hours of very high thermal stress (UTCI > 38 °C), whereas lightweight façades increase exposure to extreme heat. Overall, air temperature is primarily determined by façade thermal mass, mean radiant temperature by surface reflectivity, and thermal comfort by the combined effect of both. These findings confirm that high reflectivity can be counterproductive in dense urban canyons, emphasizing the importance of climate- and morphology-sensitive façade strategies for urban resilience. Full article