Adaptable skin systems

Abstract

Most buildings are continuously changing. Renovation, layout modifications, and other physical changes are usually complicated processes associated with losses in materials and assets. The building industry is responsible for a vast amount of the global waste. Therefore a shift towards circular solutions is crucial to minimise this negative environmental impact. This paper is based on the master thesis, A Tale of Layers, completed in spring 2018 at Chalmers University of Technology, and provides further discussion on the results. The thesis developed a set of design strategies for adaptable skin systems, and focused on a design proposal of 'the connection' which is a reversible connection system between the structure and the skin of a building. The aim of 'the connection' is to increase the building's adaptability and the circular use of materials. It allows transformations in the skin with minimal effects on the structural system to preserve its quality and value. The design strategies and 'the connection' can be applied in different contexts, while the skin systems alternatives presented are specific for the extension of Snckeback School in Ronneby, Sweden. Separating the different building systems and following standard dimensions and modular systems make buildings easy to repair and adjust according to the changing demands and increase the possibility for materials reuse. However, they can limit the buildings' shape and form. Creating skins with variable U-values is an additional benefit of separation, allowing the skin to be one factor that contributes to optimising the building energy performance in some climates.