Challenging the engineering view: Comparative analysis of technological and biological functions targeting energy efficient facade systems

Abstract

Building envelopes made by nature or man are exposed to the same environmental conditions. Hence, the requirements in nature and of buildings are comparable. A study of analogies between natural and technical envelopes promises an overcoming of buildings being an alarming energy consumer with more than 40% of the energy demand in Europe. The research study BioSkin targets the identification of potentials in nature that might support the energy and comfort balance in a more effective way than traditional technologies are providing now. The first step in the study was to identify tasks of an energy efficient facade from an engineering perspective by detailed analysis of its functionalities. This specification matrix has been extended to a challenging goal: identifying potentials for a sustainable climate-adaptive energy efficient facade of the future. This paper presents the results from the facade specification and the requirements for facades of the future. On the basis of a comparative analysis of technical and biological questions and possible solutions, a draft classification of technical tasks and biological principles has been developed. The necessary approach is described in more detail in the paper, selecting the target 'passive solar strategy'. © 2010 WIT Press.