Evaluation of Adaptive Facades: The Case Study of AGC Headquarter in Belgium

The evaluation of adaptive facades presents a challenge because there is no established evaluation strategy to systematically reach this goal and many of the available façade performance evaluation tools have limited applicability for such advanced building facades. This paper presents a case study for an adaptive glass façade and evaluates its performance. The evaluation focuses mainly on pre and post construction phase of adaptive facades: The design assist phase (including the durability test, visual mockup, onsite panel mounting and weather stripping), the commissioning phase (field verification and performance testing) and the monitoring phase. The selected project is a nearly zero energy building with unique façade comprising thermal isolated glass sunshades printed with white silk screen. These louvers respond dynamically and automatically to the angle of the sun which improves the control over energy consumption, solar radiation and glare with the ability to admit natural light into the building. The paper is part of the research activities of working group 3 of the European COST Action 1403 on “Adaptive Facades “. Different methods were used for evaluation, this include: interviews with the architect, façade engineer and technical control specialist, reviews of standard and codes and a systematic process mapping. A documentation of the case study describing the post construction occupant comfort and façade operation was prepared. This paper’s audience is mainly architects, building façade engineers together with facility managers concerned with the process of design, construction and operation of adaptive glass facades. The outcome of this study identifies effective strategies for the design and performance evaluation of optimal adaptive facades.