This study examines how surface relief geometry affects the velocity of air in the gap between wall layers. In wet climates, the air gap behind a rainscreen protects the inner layers from the weather while facilitating drying of the... more
This study examines how surface relief geometry affects the velocity of air in the gap between wall layers. In wet climates, the air gap behind a rainscreen protects the inner layers from the weather while facilitating drying of the assembly and reducing fungal growth. If shaping the wall sheathing could improve drying of wood cavity walls, it could greatly decrease fungus and mold growth. In hot climates, ventilating this air gap can reduce heat gain and cooling loads.
Double-skin facade (DSF) is regarded as one of the most advanced and promising curtain wall technologies currently available, adopted until recently mainly in cold and temperate climates. Despite their potential for improved thermal... more
Double-skin facade (DSF) is regarded as one of the most advanced and promising curtain wall technologies currently available, adopted until recently mainly in cold and temperate climates. Despite their potential for improved thermal performance compared to conventional curtain wall technologies, experience with the application of DSF technology in hot climates is still little. This paper presents the results of the first DSF monitoring in Israel, executed in the first office building in Israel to apply this technology. Results show that the applied DSF technology (mechanically ventilated box window DSF with integrated blinds) has a potential for keeping indoor temperatures up to 2°C below outdoor temperatures (excluding the effect of air conditioning) and reducing solar heat gains without compromising indoor visual comfort. At the same time, they also exposed an inherent deficiency of the system's capacity to prevent air cavity overheating: air cavity temperatures were 10–30°C higher than outdoor temperatures in all facades exposed to direct solar irradiance.
