A conceptual design of circular adaptive façade module for reuse

Abstract

Climate change has an impact on the ecosystem, and subsequently, it affects the built environment. Building envelope has a vital role in controlling the integration between indoor and outdoor environmental quality. The responsivity of the façade has proven its efficiency in optimizing the global energy performance of buildings. Adaptive façades are multifunctional reconciling envelope dynamic systems that improve sustainability with the purpose of utilizing environmental parameters. This paper tackles the research gap in integrating façades circularity, adaptive envelopes, and design for disassembly. The research investigates the merge between biodegradability, circularity of adaptive façades components, and interior space micro-climate control for energy efficiency. This paper presents a proof of concept for a circular adaptive façade during two phases in its life cycle: operation and reuse phases. A scientific quantitative method took place which is based on a hybrid method; computational simulation, smart control, and an up-scale model. Adaptability is investigated through the façade life cycle from design to disassembly instead of demolition and consequent waste production, by exploiting sustainable materials. As a result, an empirical prototype is constructed. The prototype provides 3 levels of adaptability across the design, operation, and disassembly for reuse. Subsequently, this work proposes an up-scale physical model that can help in mitigating the climate change effects.

Figure 1

The research gap illustration and the shift for circularity in the design approach of adaptive façades.

Figure 2

Flowchart of selecting research-based criteria/sub criteria and analysis by using different research web engines, source by the authors.

Figure 3

Proposed adaptive façade outcomes and targets by defining the criteria and sub-criteria points from literature in order to formulate the significance items of the proposed module, source by the authors.

Figure 4

Graphical presentation of proposed adaptive system life cycle. The cycle started by designing the universal adaptive façade module, optimization of material usage and minimizing the actuators, followed by construction and fabrication of the parts. During operation, the façade will moderate the micro-climate to reduce electromechanical loads, with continuous maintenance for motors and the flexible jute textile. The disassembly instead of demolition phase will be done through the replacement and curing of any of the parts, then finally the module offers a flexible adaptive design which can be reused in other buildings. Source by the authors.

Figure 5

A Graphical computational model of the 3-module proposed adaptive façade, each consisting of 2 fixed and 2 spherical joints. Source by the authors.

Figure 6

(A) spherical joint components. (B) schematic degrees of motion of spherical joint.

Figure 7

The proposed adaptive façade prototype code logic, source: by the authors.

Figure 8

Basic circular adaptive module iterations corresponding to light and thermal comfort required by occupants. (A) Fully opened state. (B) Almost closed state (C,D) Partially closed state. Source by authors.

Figure 9

Masses abstraction for honeybee and Ladybug tools components visualization.

Figure 10

Fabricated prototype of the proposed adaptive modules and experiments. Each expected module state is presented across a single module, and the fabricated 3- module cluster. (A) The module is in fully open state when no shading is needed. (B) Intermediate state when partial shading is needed. (C) Almost closed state when maximum low-level sunrays are found.