Computation and Construction in Architecture (CoCoA) Lab
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
It has been demonstrated that kinetic sunscreens linked to intelligent building systems have the potential to improve the energy performance of large-scale public and commercial buildings. However, there has been minimal uptake, primarily due to the capital and maintenance costs.
The overarching research project investigates the potential, feasibility and real-life applications of a hybrid facade that integrates environmental, media and individual micro-control functions in one compound solution operating through autonomous rotating panels.
This project proposes that costs can be offset through adding value by repurposing the sun screening system as a low-resolution media screen. To evaluate the feasibility of this hybrid environmental-media facade concept, physical prototypes has developed and calibrated to real-time simulation and control software; and two case studies were undertaken to assess the physical and economic feasibility
Our experiments detail the design, fabrication and evaluation strategies of the full-scale aluminium panel prototypes developed for a kinetic hybrid facade. The result shows that hybrid facade could maximise the value of kinetic intelligent building systems to enhance fabrication, kinetic set-up and performance, and a material and economic feasibility assessment.