The humble facade – the outer skin of our homes, offices, warehouses and retail shops – is undergoing a metamorphosis. Once just a barrier between indoors and out, it’s becoming a dynamic, intelligent system that can generate energy, regulate temperature, and even interact with its surroundings.
These advancements in facade technology aren’t just cosmetic; they hold the key to a more sustainable and efficient future for the UK’s built environment.
Harnessing the sun’s power
Imagine facades clad in shimmering solar panels, seamlessly integrated into the architectural design. This isn’t a futuristic vision; it’s increasingly becoming a reality thanks to Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
BIPV systems replace traditional building materials with solar panels, transforming facades into energy generators. Thin-film and semi-transparent solar cells allow for greater design flexibility and light transmission, creating stunning architectural effects while still harvesting valuable energy. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that BIPV systems can achieve energy savings of up to 80% compared to conventional facades (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2020).
Kinetic facades that morph and move
Beyond generating energy, modern building facades are becoming dynamic actors in the urban landscape. Kinetic facades which use motors and sensors can adjust their shape and orientation in response to sunlight, wind, or temperature changes. These dynamic adjustments optimise natural light and ventilation into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting, heating and air conditioning.
One such example is the two Al-Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi, featuring responsive panels known as Mashrabiya which open and close based on solar exposure, providing shade and regulating interior temperature. The 150-meter-tall towers feature the world’s largest computerised dynamic facade, with both buildings utilising 2,098 dynamic facade screens. The result is a 40% reduction in carbon emissions and a 1,750 tonne reduction in CO2 each year.
Breathing Easy: Bioclimatic facades for green living
Facades can also help buildings “breathe” naturally. Bioclimatic facades incorporate green elements like vertical gardens or living walls which provide natural insulation, improve air quality by filtering pollutants, and even reduce noise pollution.
A study by the University of Melbourne found that vertical gardens can reduce building cooling energy use by up to 15% (Wong et al., 2012). The Bosco Verticale towers in Milan, Italy, are iconic examples of bioclimatic facades, showcasing the stunning visual and environmental benefits of integrating greenery into building facades. Designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri, the Bosco Verticale opened in 2014 and features 15,000 plants both on its facade and in the closer surroundings.
The Bosco Verticale towers in Milan have won numerous awards in architecture for their unique vertical forest facades.
River View: Water flow facades that create heat
In 2019, engineers and architects working for an EU-funded innovation project at the site of the Bulgarian Academy of Science developed a new type of smart facade system using water that flows between panels of glass. Known as Fluid Flow Glazing Facades, this groundbreaking technology captures heat from the sun and transports it through a pipe system for central heating and hot water purposes.
Each pane of glass holds 70 litres of constantly flowing water and glycol, moving at a rate of eight litres per minute. Researchers and architects involved in the project say that, because water is denser that air, it absorbs infrared light in a broader range. This allows the Fluid Flow Glazing Facade system to absorb more heater quicker than traditional glass facades.
The Fluid Flow Glazing Facade system has already proven itself as a notable contender for efficiency, boasting its debut appearance in one of Bulgaria’s first Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs).
The Future of Facades: Towards a more sustainable built environment
These advancements in facade technology are just the tip of the iceberg. As research and development continue, we can expect even more innovative ways to make facades more sustainable, adaptable, and interactive. These innovations have the potential to revolutionise the way that we design and build, creating energy-efficient, comfortable, and resilient buildings which contribute to a greener future.
Supporting the commercial sector for three decades
See Brilliance has over 30 years’ experience in providing cost-effective restoration alternatives to respraying, rebuilding and replacement.
Utilising advanced restoration systems and certified skill, our experts can restoratively clean metal, glass and stone facade surfaces to their factory finish and standard, enhancing company and property image by leaving a protected finish that is practical, aesthetically pleasing and to an almost ‘as new’ condition and appearance.
To find out more about our restoration methods, including DOFF Steam Cleaning, TORC Cleaning, commercial facade and cladding restoration, commercial glass restoration and graffiti removal services, get in touch with our restoration specialists today.