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.