A conceptual design of circular adaptive façade module for reuse

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Building Science
• Sustainable Architecture

Background:

• Climate change significantly impacts ecosystems and the built environment.
• Building envelopes, particularly façades, are crucial for managing indoor-outdoor environmental quality and building energy performance.
• Adaptive façades offer dynamic solutions for sustainability by utilizing environmental parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the research gap in integrating façade circularity, adaptive envelopes, and design for disassembly.
• To investigate the synergy between biodegradable and circular adaptive façade components and micro-climate control for energy efficiency.
• To present a proof of concept for a circular adaptive façade focusing on operation and reuse phases.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid quantitative method combining computational simulation, smart control systems, and an up-scale model.
• Investigation of façade adaptability throughout its life cycle, from design to disassembly, emphasizing sustainable material use.
• Development of an empirical prototype demonstrating adaptability across design, operation, and disassembly stages.

Main Results:

• Construction of an empirical prototype for a circular adaptive façade.
• Demonstration of 3 levels of adaptability within the prototype, covering design, operation, and reuse.
• Validation of the concept for a façade system that avoids demolition and waste production.

Conclusions:

• The developed circular adaptive façade system offers a viable approach to enhance building energy efficiency and sustainability.
• The prototype provides a scalable model for mitigating climate change impacts through adaptable and reusable building components.
• Integrating circularity and design for disassembly into adaptive façades is key for a sustainable built environment.