Integration of Daylight Use and Analysis in Double Skin Facades: A Literature Review

Abstract

Double skin facades (DSF) aim to save energy reducing the heat losses in buildings. They are visually appeal while allowing to use daylight efficiently. Such facade systems can reduce glare and distribute daylight evenly in the interior when compared to conventional facade systems. That is a result of cavities between two glass facades and locating sunshading elements in them, although this system provides a high level of transparency. As their primary purpose of application is to ensure thermal performance and ventilation, most studies in literature have focused on these. However, to construct and maintain a holistic point of view in building performance, researchers and professionals need to take into account the integration of daylight use and analysis in such facades. This study aims to analyse daylight performance implemented studies in relation to these systems and presents a comprehensive and recent review on integration of daylight use and analysis. Recent studies are shown in tabulated form and interpreted in detail with graphics. considering their methodologies, daylight parameters and findings. Results show that the daylight parameter is one of the most important issues that architects or designers should consider from the moment they start the design, and they should make their designs based on the optimum penetration of daylight into the building. This review can contribute to literature in calling attention to daylight studies in DSF. It provides feedback information on how recent researches and technological developments in DSF can let them benefit from daylight more efficiently. That makes more and further improvements in such facade system design. Thus, DSF helps to build an integrated building performance approach in achieving sustainability.