5 ADAPTIVE SOLAR SHADING SYSTEMS OF NEARLY ZERO ENERGY

BUILDINGS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Within contemporary architecture, there is a growing interest to shift buildings envelope

design from „static” to „dynamic” to improve energy performance and indoor comfort. In
the European context, this process is stimulated by the energy performance of buildings
policy; by which buildings with nearly zero energy need to be built since begin of year 2021.
In order to reach this target, new materials, concepts and technologies for further
improving buildings’ energy efficiency need to be developed. It is believed that very
promising strategy to achieve that objective is design building as a responsive and dynamic
system. In addition, this strategy opens new aesthetic possibilities for designers. The main
feature of this concept is to equip buildings with elements and systems that can
permanently respond to weather changes and the demands of building users. The issue of
designing and evaluating dynamic facades has taken on a broad scientific and professional
community in recent years (Loonen R. et al., 2013; Aelenei D. et al., 2016; Dakheel J. A.,
Aoul K. T., 2017; Fiorito F. et al., 2016; Nagy Z. et al., 2016, Shady et al., 2018 and many
others).

Adaptive solar shading devices, characterized by a high degree of adaptability and

responsiveness, are typical part of the dynamic building envelopes (mainly its transparent
parts). From a purely physical point of view, their behavior is connected with solar
radiation, daylight and heat. All these physical quantities are dynamic in nature.
Unfortunately, most of the evaluation building physics metrics and criteria are not
developed with a dynamic system in mind. There are currently a gap in tools and broader
frameworks that allow architects and engineers to design the most appropriate adaptation
shading technique for concrete building in particular climatic and urban conditions.

Solar shading devices represent one of the passive design strategies that respond to
variable climatic conditions with aim to balance indoor comfort requirements and energy
efficiency of buildings operation. Recently, mobile adaptive shading systems have been
widely used (Al-Masrani and Al-Obaidi, 2019; Barozzi et al., 2016; Lamontagne at al., 2009;
Nielsen et al. 2011). This study aims to provide an overview of the adaptive shading systems
and their design. Issues related to details of technical instalation, mechanical and electrical
components, automation and control strategies, cost and maintenance are not addressed in
this study.

1
5.2 “STATIC“ AND “DYNAMIC“ SOLAR SHADING OF NZEB

Proponents of dynamic building facades often argue that buildings have been design in the
past as “static”, that is, those that have failed to respond to weather or seasonal changes.
We also meet with the claim that traditional facades are not capable of adapting and
responding to various changes that they are exposed to (for example Al-Masrani and Al-
Obaidi, 2019). These claims are rather false myths, as is shown in Figure 5.1.

5.1. figure - Is the shutter “static” shading system?

Shutters, curtains and other shading devices are able to respond to wide-ranging
environmental changes when they are proper operated. A facade consisting of a well-
insulated non-transparent part and a transparent part equipped with a suitable shading
technique can not be considered as "static". Traditional passive strategies and their various
innovations are still promising trend in the design and operation of buildings. What are the
arguments of those who favor the trend of designing dynamic building facades with
adaptive shading systems? Driven by new architectural paradigms and the need to
maximize indoor comfort, particularly commercial and office building facades have become
more transparent. In this context external shading devices would seem essential.
Contemporary high-rise architecture shows also a trend towards complex curved and shape
irregular facade systems. It follows that shading devices must be shapely and functionally
more complex. The advances in information, mechanical and electrical technologies create
the prerequisites for expanding the concept of responsive architecture (Shen et al., 2015;
Schleicher et al, 2011; Karanouh and Kerber, 2015). It is believed that responsive
architecture can provide step-change improvements in the energy performance of buildings
and the use of renewable energy while improving the comfort of the users of indoor spaces.
Responsive architecture is fundamentally determined by performance-based design
strategies and by the design of dynamic (active) building envelopes. Dynamic facade refers
to the design of control algorithms and the control operations that directly impact its

2
performance and the physical properties. The essential element of the dynamic facade is an
adaptive solar shading system. The adaptive shading system must be able to change in
response to variable meteorological conditions, occupancy and comfort wishes, energetical
and environmental parameters. Adaptive (“dynamic”) shading technologies often refer to
conventional moveable shading devices such as louvers, venetian blinds, roller blinds, etc.
But there are also many principally innovative ways of shading buildings (see below). The
concept of adaptive solar shading, with appropriate adjusment to changing external and
internal conditions, allows flexibility in the integration of design considerations, and can
balance of positive and negative impacts of solar energy on building performance. High-
performance facade equipped with an advanced adaptive shading system opens new
possibilities for interaction between the external and internal environments. Adaptive
shading technologies open also new possibilities for environmentally-conscious, sustainable
and expressive architectural design. The new possibilities of aesthetic layout of building
facades are often the dominant motive for the practical application of adaptive shading (see
paragraph 3).
Many technicians believe that the adaptive shading lowers the need for HVAC systems and
consequently the total energy cost of the building. However, there are complex non-linear
physical and non-physical (users comfort and amenity) relationships between the
configuration of such shading systems and energy demand of cooling, heating, ventilation,
and lighting. User response is often neglected in energy analyzes of adaptive HVAC systems.
The human factor is important because it is not only linked to technical or environmental
criteria. Moreover, the geometrically complex and moving shapes of shading elements are
very problematic to simulate from energy point if view.

5.2. figure – Interactions of adaptive shading device with HVAC and artificial lighting of an „intelligent” building
(Hraška, 2020)

3
There are not enough reliable tools available and no generally applicable evaluation criteria.
Adaptive architecture is under development and it is a question of whether it is necessary
to achieve a state of being capable of responding to any external or internal stimulus.

Improving adaptability means increasing complexity, which is associated with increased

installation costs and maintenance costs. Too sophisticated systems generally affect their
lifespan and are the cause of their mechanical problems. There is also considerable energy
consumption for the operation of adaptive shading systems.

Figure 5.2 illustrates interactions of an adaptive shading device with HVAC and artificial
lighting of an “inteligent“ building. An adaptive shading device includes functionalities such
real-time sensing, kinetic elements, automation and the ability for user override. Advanced
adaptive shading devices as a part of “intelligent” building skin need computational
algorithms that allow the building systems to self-adjust and to control indoor
environmental conditions. Information should be provided to the building’s users so they
can modify their actions relative to indoor occupant comfort parameters and energy use.

5.3 TYPOLOGY OF ADAPTIVE SHADING SYSTEMS

General technical progress has expanded the possibilities of designing and operating
building envelopes that can dynamically change their properties. Adaptive shading systems
(also known as dynamic, kinetic, responsive, active, adjustable, smart, advanced, intelligent,
switchable, interactive and suchlike – these terms are not pure synonyms, but there is often
a lot of confusion to make a clear distinction between them) are usually an integral part of
adaptive (dynamic) facade. In many cases, just adaptive shading device is the essence of a
dynamic facade.

Mike Davies (Davies, 1981) presents the high-tech concept of dynamic façade which called
“polyvalent wall”. He himself described his concept as follows:

“What is needed is an environmental diode, a progressive thermal and spectral switching

device, a dynamic interactive multi-capability processor acting as a building skin. The diode
is logically based on the remarkable physical properties of glass, but will have to incorporate
a greater range of thermal and visual adaptive performance capabilities in one polyvalent
product. This environmental diode, a polyvalent wall as the envelope of a building, will
remove the distinction between solid and transparent”.

His suggest is shown in Figure 5.3 where each layer fulfils a specific function. This idea was
never realized, but the concept is still very inspiring. Many new glazing systems and facade
technologies draw on the reference of M. Davies.

4
Adaptive shading systems can change their shape, or spaciousness, or location, or
properties. They can change several of these properties or all at once or in a time sequence.
The primary function of adaptive
shading systems is usually
actively to regulate the indoor
environment and energy
performance of a building.
Adaptive shading systems are
based on the change of
properties or behavior at a
macro or micro scale or
combinated both, Figure 5.4.

Macro scale changes mean that

the building envelope is shaded
by some shape changing or
movable elements (e.g.
5.3. figure – Polyvalent wall (Davies, 1981)
1 - clear glass, 2 - outer sensor and control logic layer, 3 -
mechanically). The micro scale
photoelectric grid, 4 - selective heat absorber, 5 - electro- means that optical and
reflective coating, 6 - microporous gas-permeable layer, 7 -
thermophysical changes
electro-reflective coating, 8 - inner sensor and control logic layer,
9 - clear glass generally occur in the shading
material, which increase the
shading effect. Typical example is glazing with coating that change depending on
temperature or light intensity (i.e. chemically or electrochemically).

5.4. figure – Basic typology of adaptive shading systems

5
Advanced glazing at the micro scale changes light transmittance, spectral selectivity or light
redirecting properties.

Position of shading systems in relation to the shading object can be external, internal and
integral of building envelope (usually in glazing system). Adaptive solar shading system can
also perform other functions, e.g. additional thermal insulation of building envelope,
daylighting regulation, and transformation solar energy.

5.5. figure – Basic methods of solar control

Adaptive solar shading systems can be categorized by physical/optical processes that

provide protection of a building from excessive solar radiation, Figure 5.5. Shading systems
can regulate solar energy by reflexing (specular or diffuse), absorbing, redirecting or
filtering and by combination of these possibilities. Absorbed solar energy is transformed
into thermal energy. Part of the absorbed energy can be converted into other forms of
energy, for example electricity, chemical energy, biofuel, accumulated heat.

For adaptive solar shading systems are used many smart materials such:
- Temperature reactive materials (shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers,
shape memory hybrids, thermochromic polymers, termotropic materials, phase
change materials (PCM),
- Materials that react to solar radiation (light responsive polymers, photochromic
materials, photovoltaic cells),

6
 - Chromogenic materials (electrochromic glazing, gasochromic materials, liquid
crystals, suspended particle devices),
- Other materials (electroactive polymers, piezoelectric materials, materials
changing their magnetic properties).

Adaptive solar shading systems may be categorized into four classes: kinetic shading,
switchable glazing, multifunction systems and specific systems, Figure 5.6. Control of
adaptive solar shading systems can be manual, motorized with central up-down commands,
fully automated or self-regulating. Manual control will not provide standardized parameters
of indoor environment or/and required energy savings. On the other hand, fully automated
and self-regulating adaptive systems have limited manual control capabilities based on
current user needs. This may be inconsistent with one of the basic tasks of the shading
device, which is to provide a comfort indoor environment. Therefore, user interaction and
satisfaction are important factors that cannot be neglected.

5.6. figure – Typology of adaptive solar shading systems (Hraska, 2018)

It is self-evident that adaptive solar shading system and its control need to be optimized for
the concrete climate, zones of a building and other relevant factors.

From the point of view of protecting the building from excessive solar radiation, the
decisive parameter of adaptive shading system is the range of solar factors (g-values) that it
can provide. For example for electrochromic glazing typical range of g-values is from 0.64
(clear state) to 0.16 (fully dark state).

7
Many external adaptive shading systems, mainly bio-inspired types, are used often as
pretext for designing unique dynamic facades. The real motivation of these solutions is
most often the prestige of the architect and the builder.

5.4 SELECTED TYPES OF ADAPTIVE SHADING SYSTEMS AND THEIR

INCORPORATION INTO BUILDING ENVELOPE

Modern buildings are less specified for concrete climate conditions and material resources
and become "international" and depended on technical systems to maintain indoor
comfort. In this process, means are sought that can improve the performance of buildings.
Adaptive shading systems seem to be a promising way to achieve these goals. Adaptive
shading systems may or may not be part of adaptive building envelopes. Adaptive systems
help to use the energy of the environment (sunlight, daylight) and at the same time
regulate its excessive availability in order to reduce cooling costs or eliminate the risk of
glare. It is known that nearly zero energy buildings have an increased need for cooling. Solar
shading of nZEB is one of the most energy efficient solutions to eliminate excessive
overheating. Adaptive solar shading systems can be controlled mechanically or by means of
smart materials. Using simulation tools, adaptive shading can be designed and operated to
take into account all urban, architectural, climatic, technical and other requirements so that
the parameters of the indoor environment are achieved in an energy-efficient manner.

In Figure 5.6, many types of adaptive shading systems are listed. In this publication, we will
mention only some of them in more detail. We will explain the principles of operation of
shading technology based on nanotechnologies on a few examples and also we show newer
variants of solar shading, which belong to the category of macro scale.

5.3.1 Electrochromic glazing

We know several variants of electrochromic glazing, the development of which is still

ongoing. They are based on the electrochromism of some materials that can reversibly
change their color. In the current market there are mainly types of electrochromic glazing
based on the movement of lithium ions, Figure 5.7. Due to the low electrical voltage,
lithium ions move between two transparent electrodes through a separator and an
electrolyte from one electrochromic layer to another, and then the glass darkens. If the
electric voltage stops or the polarity is reversed, the ions return to the original layer and the
glass becomes clear. The state change takes about 5 minutes. In the clear state,
electrochromic glazing transmits about 60% of the light. Figure 5.8 shows the relative
change in the spectral transmittance of light from a clear state to a blue state, which
significantly changes the spectral composition of daylight in the interior. Interior view of an
electrochromic glazing with panes in fully clear and fully dark states is in Figure 5.9
(Pacheco-Torgal et al., 2019).
8
 5.7. figure – Electrochromic triple glazing system (Hraška, 2020)

1 - power supply, 2 - electrochromic pane glass, 3 - inner panel with low-emission surface treatment, 4 - cavity filled
with noble gas, 5 - window frame, 6 - glass, 7 - transparent electrical conductor, 8 - electrochromic layer, 9 - ion
conductor (electrolyte), 10 - electrochromic layer (ion accumulator)

5.3.2 Gasochromic glazing

Figure 10 illustrates the principle of gasochromic glazing. If the gasochromic coating (WO3 –
tungsten trioxide) is exposed to a low concentration of hydrogen contained in the carrier
gas (argon or nitrogen), it
turns blue. When
gasochromic coating is
exposed to oxygen, it
returns to its initial
transparent (clear) state.
This allows the user to tint
glazing panes to change the
amount of solar heat passing
through. The electrolyser
and the pump are connected
to the glazing by means of
tubes which form a closed
5.8. figure – Relative transmittance of light through electrochromic loop. The change from clear
glazing to color (and vice versa)
1) clear state, 2) maximum colouring state takes 2 to 10 minutes. In
particular, the high cost of

9
these types of glazing and the relatively short service life compared to conventional building
glazing prevent their wider use. Because glass changes its color, chromogenic glazing is not
suitable for many types of interiors.

5.9. figure – Interior view of an electrochromic glazing with panes in fully clear (left) and fully dark (right) states.
(Pacheco-Torgal et al., 2019)

5.3.3 Solar thermal venetian blinds

Solar thermal venetian blinds (STVB)

combine solar thermal collector with
adaptive solar shading, Figure 5.11 (Denz
et al., 2018). Heat pipes are integral part
of conventional venetian blinds. The heat
pipes transfer heat to the collecting pipe,
which is part of the building hydraulic
loop. The rotation of the blinds can be
controlled automatically based on
instructions from the central control
system. It is a complex moving
mechanical system with many
5.10. figure – Gasochromic glazing components and fluid. There are a
1 - gasochromic layer, 2 - low-emission coating, 3 - number of fundamentally similar adaptive
special spacer bar allowing gas supply, 4 - standard shielding systems. Such systems are
spacer bar, 5 - seals, 6 - window frame costly, maintenance-intensive, and less
effective than the expected efficiency, which is usually based on optimistic theoretical
assumptions.

10
 5.11. figure – Solar thermal venetian blinds (Denz at al., 2018)

5.12. figure – Architectural shutters on a new building in Bratislava (Slovakia). Photo: Jozef Hraška, 2018.

5.3.4 Architectural shutters

Recently, shading devices called architectural shutters have been used very often. The most
commonly used are simple architectural shutters, which can be seen in the Figure 5.12. The
shutters are usually moved horizontally by hand. Shutters can be operated automatically
(with manual override). In this case, however, their application becomes much more
expensive. The architectural shutters can effectively shade the glazed parts of the façade,
11
regulate daylight and eliminate glare. There are also more sophisticated versions of
architectural shutters that increase the thermal and acoustic insulation of the facades and
their airtightness. Architectural shutters can be used for both new and existing buildings.
The architectural shutters are most often made of aluminum and wood. However, they can
also be made of other materials or different materials can be combined in their production.

5.13. figure – Automatized interior shading fabric in office complex Cassovar in Košice (Slovakia). Photo: Jozef
Hraška, 2015.

5.3.5 Shading fabrics

There are a number of textiles shading devices. Exterior or interior solar shades use a
woven fabric to reflect, diffuse, or absorb solar radiation. In addition to protecting the
indoor environment of buildings from excessive sunlight and elimination of glare, textile
shades provide sufficient diffuse daylight. Motorized shading fabrics belong to adaptive

12
solar shading systems. These smart motorized shades can be programmed as a part of a
home or office automation system. Automatized interior shading fabric in office complex
Cassovar in Košice (Slovakia) is in Figure 5.13. On cloudy days, the fabric shadings are rolled
up in the pipes and unfolded on sunny days.

5.3.6 Improving the adaptability of shading lamellas by shaping them

Some of the possibilities of changing the transmittance of sunlight through lamella shades
illustrate Figure 5.14 and 5.15. Micro lamellas in horizontal glazing (Figure 5.14) are open to
the northern hemisphere through transparent plastic. The aluminium cross bars with high
reflectance are concave in shape to reflect direct sunlight in a specified range of sun
altitudes. Even by shaping static lamella blinds, a significant change in the transmission of
solar radiation can be achieved, Figure 5.15. Of course, the movable slats can be even more
efficient in this respect.

5.14. figure – Micro lamellas in glazing

5.15. figure – Shaped blinds. Type RETRO (left, Arnesen et al., 2011), another type (right)

5.3.7 Design principles of adaptive shading devices

To predict the energy and environmental performance of a building with solar shading
many aspects need to be considered such as (Guide, 2015):
• Type and dimensions of the building,
13
 • Requirements for a comfortable indoor environment (thermal, visual, and acoustic
comfort, quality of air),
• Orientation and slope of the transparent parts of building envelope,
• Orography and urban structures around the building plot,
• Occupancy schedules,
• Weather data,
• U-values of building components (roof, external and internal walls, ground and
internal floors and windows),
• Thermal storage properties of building structures and building equipment,
• Ventilation system,
• Optical parameters of glazing and shading device,
• Internal gains,
• Utilisation factor,
• Gain utilisation factor for heating,
• Loss utilisation factor for cooling,
• Space heating requirement,
• Space cooling requirement,
• Day and night profiles during a complete year.

So, the properly designing of shading devices depends not only of the sun and window
geometry. Knowing the geometry of the sun's rays is important when designing especially
fixed external shading elements. In the case of automatically control of adaptive shading
systems, we need to optimize a number of parameters. Some parameters are contradictory
or are mutually exclusive. For example, the penetration of direct sunlight into the interior in
winter is welcome in terms of energy savings for heating, but may be unacceptable in terms
of glare. It may be unacceptable when the room is occupied by its users, but when the room
is empty, we can let direct sunlight into the room during the heating season. Therefore, if
we design adaptive shading systems and their automatic regulation, we must take into
account all the above mentioned parameters of the building and the occupancy schedules.
At the same time, it is necessary to leave the users of indoor spaces the possibility of
interfering with the automatic regulation. This is because user needs are dynamic variables.
On the one hand, this measure increases the possibility of adapting the indoor environment
to the needs of a specific user at a given time; on the other hand, the expected energy
savings for cooling, heating and artificial lighting of the building may not be achieved.

When designing adaptive shading devices, their architectural and aesthetic aspect is often
at the forefront. Architectural reasons for the application of a particular shading system
may reduce its technical advantage. Installation, operation and maintenance of many
adaptive shadings systems is more expensive than a standard shading technique. In

14
practice, adaptive shading systems often cause deterioration of daylighting of interior
spaces and also often impair the view from the building.

5.5 EXAMPLES OFCOMPLEX ADAPTIVE SHADING SYSTEMS

Most of the existing adaptive solar shading systems are specific solutions for and individual
case. Despite the trendinees of these solutions it is doubtful that they are energy-efficient
and more effectively improve indoor comfort compared to traditional solutions.
Unfortunately, detailed monitored data on the performance of adaptive facades/adaptive
shading systems and post-occupancy evaluations are missing in the available literature.

Here are some adaptive solutions with a brief commentary.

5.5.1 Arab World Institute

Probably the most known example of adaptive solar shading system is the Arab World
Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe) designed by architect Jean Nouvel and completed in
1987 (constructed between 1981 and 1987) in Paris, France. The architect drew inspiration
from an archetypal element of Arabic architecture (the mashrabiya) and between two glass
sheets of southwest facade suggested metal elements like the camera shutters, Figure 5.16
and 5.17. Elements are individually controlled by small motors connected to a central
computer control. Users can not to overrule the system. The 30,000 light-sensitive
mechanical control diaphragms resulted in constant maintenance and serious mechanical
problems.

5.16. figure – Adaptive shading system of Arab World Institute in Paris (Murray, 2009)

15
 5.17. figure – Adaptive shading system of Arab World Institute, view from the interior

This system has highlighted the need for extraordinary attention to the functionality of
adaptive solar facades/shading systems in real life.

5.5.2 Q1 Building: ThyssenKrupp Quarter

Adaptive solar shading system of ThyssenKrupp Quarter (known as Q1) in Essen in Germany
consists from many stainless steel louvers and triangular, square, and trapezoidal fins
(totally 400.000 centrally controlled slats), which open and close according to sun position
in real-time, Figure 5.18. The movement of the shading elements is ensured by a total of
1600 motors. This system also tries to maximize the views for the users, but users have no
preference override the control system.

Daylighting in Q1 is kept at a level that meets standards for artificial lighting. It is

questionable whether it responds to people’s biological needs. It is also a question whether
such a solution of adaptive solar shading is consistent with sustainable construction. From
a technical point of view shading system of Q1 Building overcomes the adaptive facade of
the Arab World Institute. This is due to the tremendous technical progress and advance in
IT technology that has been achieved since the construction of Arab World Institute.

The mobile sunshading system gives the Q1 building specific appearance. The Q1 building
has been awarded a gold certificate by the German Society for Sustainable Building and also
won several other awards. The evaluation highly rated the concept of efficient energy
supply, the use of locally available or manufactured materials and efficient heating and
cooling systems of the building.

16
 Architect: JSWD Architekten +
Chaix & Morel et Associés
Project Year: 2010
Facade Consultants:
Priedemann, Berlin and Werner
Sobek

5.18. figure – Adaptive shading system of Q1 Building, ThyssenKrupp Quarter (Balascakova, 2016)

5.5.3 Al Bahr Towers

The sliding and rotating components of adaptive shading system of Al bahr Towers in Abu
Dhabi is very complex. Adaptive modules with servomotors and hydraulic pistons must be
perfect synchronzated. The system is very expensive and difficult to maintain. The system is
inspired by traditional Arabic sunscreen called masharabiya, Figure 5.19. It is made from
metal frames and fiberglass panels. When a panel is damaged it is easy replaceable. All
components of the sunscreen have been tested in wind tunnel and for fatigue. The shading
system should reduce 50% of solar heat gains.
17
 5.19. figure – Adaptive shading system of Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) (Web 12)

5.5.4 Kiefer Technic GmbH Showroom

Kiefer Technic Showroom is an exhibition space and office in Bad Gleichenberg in Austria.
The building is used for presentation products of metal company. Adaptive shading system
consists from 112 folding elements made of perforated aluminium, Figure 5.20. Elements
are electrically driven and can be adapted individually to changing outdoor conditions and
users needs. Shading device can also be controlled by optimizing program if users are not
present in indoor spaces. So, façade changes continuously and shows a new “face”
practically each hour. Some technical details of the Kiefer Technic Schowroom façade are in
Figure 5.21.

Video that shows how this shading device works is in (Web 15).

5.20. figure – Adaptive shading system of Kiefer Technic Schowroom in Bad Gleichenberg (Austria) (Web 13)

18
 5.21. figure – Adaptive shading system of Kiefer Technic Schowroom – technical details (Web 14)

5.5.5 Homeostatic Facade System

The experimental prototype of Homeostatic Facade devised by Decker Yeadon

(architectural practice firm based in New York, USA) was inspired by homeostasis in
biological systems. The shading system is based on principle of dielectric elastomers, which
create swirling ribbons, Figure 5.22. When solar energy warms up indoor environment, the
surfaces of the ribbon expand and shade the interior. System works automatically; user has
no control on the system.

5.22. figure – Homeostatic adaptive shading system by Decker Yeadon (Cooling, 2013)

Homeostatic façade system responds too quickly even to small changes of solar energy
intensity such as floating clouds, shadows casted by surrounding buildings, trees and the
like.

19
5.6 CONCLUSION

Adaptive shading systems or modular, dynamic and flexible adaptive solar facades are often
solved at a high technological level and comprehensively. One of the reasons of such
situation is that many architects and developers of today's buildings are fascinated by
technological innovations. Adaptive facades should maximize passive winter heating,
lovering energy for cooling, enhance natural ventilation, thermal and acoustic insulation,
and let enough glare-free daylight into the indoor environment of buildings. Effective
regulation of these parameters leads to a reduction in energy consumption for the
operation of buildings. The adaptive shading systems usually create unique and
aesthetically attractive coverings of building envelopes. This property is often the main
reason for their application. From a technical point of view, the application of adaptive
shading systems is justified by the need to eliminate glare and high energy consumption for
cooling caused by the fully glazed facades. The use of glass curtain walls on high-rise
buildings is determined by structural and budget reasons. Thus, we can say that the design
of adaptive shading devices on high-rise buildings is to some extent a necessity.

However, an accurate design of common buildings and their facades in middle Europe could
work effective without sophisticated shading systems. On the other side high-rise over-
glazed buildings require smart technologies among which the adequately designed adaptive
solar shading systems can also be applied. More data from monitoring of operating
buildings equipped by adaptive shading systems is required to increase their use in future
nearly zero energy buildings.

20
5.7 REFERENCES

Aelenei D., Aelenei L., Vieira C. P. (2016). Adaptive facade: concept, applications, research
questions. Energy Procedia, 91, 269–275.

Al-Masrani, Salwa M. and Al-Obaidi, Karam. (2019). Dynamic shading systems: A review of
design parameters, platforms and evaluation strategies. Automation in construction, 102,
195-216.

Arnesen H., Kolås T., Matusiak, B. (2011). A guide to daylighting and solar shading systems
at high latitude. ZEB Project report 3 – 2011, SINTEF Academic Press, 54 p.

Balascakova P., Comes J., Veloso M., Heřmánková P., Luca A., Tramblin L. R-M., Sirotnjak M.,
Álvarez B. T. (2016). Energy Design Vol. IV/I – Adaptive Facade Systems. Institute of
Buildings and Energy (IGE), Graz University of Technology, 107 p.

Barozzi M., Lienhard J., Zanelli A., Monticelli C. (2016). The sustainability of adaptive
envelopes: developments of kinetic architecture. Procedia Engineering, 155, 275–284.

Cooling concepts. (2013). Alternatives to air conditioning for a warm world. Environmental
Health Perspectives, 121(1), A19-A25.

Dakheel J. A., Aoul K. T. (2017). Review building applications, opportunities and challenges
of active shading systems: A state-of-the-art review. Energies, 10(10), 1672, 32 p.

Davies, M. (1981). A Wall for all seasons + Uses for glass in building, Riba Journal-Royal
Institute of British Architects, 88, 55-57.

Denz Paul-Rouven, Vongsignha Puttakhun, Haeringer Simon Frederik, Kuhn Tilmann E.,
Maurer Christoph, Hermann Michael, Seiferth, Morawietz Katharina. (2018). Solar thermal
façade systems – an interdisciplinary approach. In: Proceedings of 13th Conference on
Advanced Building Skins, October 1-2, Bern, Switzerland, pp. 964-975.

Fiorito F., Sauchelli M., Arroyo D., Pesenti M., Imperadori M., Masera G., Ranzi G. (2016).
Shape morphing solar shadings: A review. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 55,
863–884.

Guide to Low Energy Shading (2015). Using blinds, awnings and shutters to save energy and
enhance thermal and visual comfort in buildings. British Blind and Shutter Association,
October 2015, Issue 2, 40 p.

Hraska, J. (2018). Adaptive solar shading of buildings. International Review of Applied

Sciences and Engineering, 9(2), 107–113.

21
Hraška, J. (2020). Tieniaca technika budov. Typológia, navrhovanie a hodnotenie. (Shading
technique of buildings. Typology, design, and evaluation.) Bratislava: Vydavateľstvo
SPEKTRUM STU, 102 p. (In Slovak.)

Karanouh A., Kerber E. (2015). Innovations in dynamic architecture. Journal of Façade

Design and Engineering, 3, 185–221.

Lamontagne B., Barrios P., Py Ch., Nikumb S. (2009). The next generation of switchable
glass: the micro-blinds. Proceedings of Glass Performance Days Conference, 11–12 June,
2009, Tampere, Finland, pp. 637–639.

Loonen R., Trčka M., Cóstola D., Hensen J. (2013). Climate adaptive building shells: State-of-
the-art and future challenges. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 25, 483–493.

Murray S. (2009), Contemporary curtain walls architecture. New York: Princenton

Architectural Press, 1edition.

Nagy Z., Svetozarevic B., Jayathissa P., Begle M., Hofer J., Lydon G., Willmann A., Schlueter
A. (2016). The adaptive solar facade: From concept to prototypes. Frontiers of Architectural
Research, 5(2), 143–156.

Nielsen M. V., Svendsen S., Jensen L. B. (2011). Quantifying the potential of automated
dynamic solar shading in office buildings through integrated simulations of energy and
daylight. Solar Energy, 85(5), 757–768.

Pacheco-Torgal Fernando et al. (ed). (2019). Nanotechnology in Eco-efficient Construction.

nd
Materials, Processes and Applications, 2 edition, Woodhead Publishing, 896 p.

Schleicher S., Lienhard J., Poppinga S., Masselter T., Speck T., Knippers J. (2011). Adaptive
facade shading systems inspired by natural elastic kinematics. Proceedings of the
International Adaptive Architecture Conference Building Centre, London, March 2011. pp.
1–12.

Shady Attila, Sevem Bilir, Taha Safiya, Christian Struck, Roel Loonen, Francesco Goia. (2018).
Current trends and future challenges in the performance assessment of adaptive façade
systems. Energy & Buildings, 179, 165-182.

Shen H., Tzempelikos A., Atzeri A. M., Gasparella A. (2015). Dynamic commercial facades
versus traditional construction: Energy performance and comparative analysis. Journal of
Energy Engineering, 141(4), 04014041.

Web sources:
(Web 1) https://www.vistamatic.com/us/vistamatic-solutions/privacy-glass-vistamatic/
22
(Web 2) http://oyhus.no/SunValve/

(Web 3) https://www.adorevolution.com/smartershade/

(Web 4) http://www.hoberman.com/portfolio/gsd.php?projectname=Adaptive+Fritting+

(GSD)

(Web 5) https://www.glassonweb.com/news/next-generation-switchable-glass-micro-blinds

(Web 6) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_glass

(Web 7) https://sk.pinterest.com/CABSoverview/photobioreactive-algae-facade/

(Web 8) https://www.archdaily.com/162101/ad-classics-institut-du-monde-arabe-jean-nouvel

(Web 9) http://www.architectmagazine.com/office-projects/thyssenkrupp-quarter.aspx

(Web 10) http://internationalfacade.com/news/general/homeostatic-building-facade/#.

WxpHOtUzZGE

(Web 11) https://inhabitat.com/bios-fin/

(Web 12) https://www.glassonweb.com/article/evaluation-adaptive-facades-case-study-al-bahr-

towers-uae

(Web 13) https://www.architonic.com/en/project/ernst-giselbrecht-partner-dynamic-facade-kiefer-

technic-showroom/5100449

(Web 14) http://www.architectureexposed.com/project/459/showroom-kiefer-technic

(Web 15) https://www.archdaily.com/89270/kiefer-technic-showroom-ernst-giselbrecht-partner

23