In the scorching heat of Saudi Arabia, a novel approach to building design is emerging, one that could significantly impact the energy sector and redefine residential architecture. Researchers from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran have been exploring the potential of kinetic façades—dynamic building envelopes that respond to environmental changes—to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings.
At the heart of this research is Taufiq I. Ismail, an architect and city designer who has been investigating the integration of origami-inspired kinetic façades into student dormitories. The concept is simple yet innovative: by using numerical simulations, Ismail and his team analyzed 35 different façade configurations under varying conditions, including orientation, closure ratios, and cavity depths. The goal? To find the sweet spot between daylight availability and solar exposure, two critical factors that directly impact a building’s energy consumption.
The findings are promising. “We observed that at higher façade closure ratios, increasing cavity depth could effectively mitigate daylight reduction by promoting reflected daylight penetration inside the cavity,” Ismail explains. This means that by carefully designing the façade’s closure ratio and cavity depth, architects can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting, thereby cutting down on energy costs.
But the benefits don’t stop at daylighting. The study also found that mid-range façade closure ratios, specifically 50 cm in this case, achieved balanced performance in terms of heat gains and cooling load reduction. This is a significant breakthrough, as cooling accounts for a substantial portion of a building’s energy consumption, particularly in hot climates like Saudi Arabia.
Ismail’s research suggests that a dynamic façade operation could be the key to maximizing energy savings. For instance, higher closure ratios could be applied during peak solar hours on the east in the morning and the west in the afternoon to maximize cooling savings, while moderate closure ratios can be maintained on the south to preserve daylight. This dynamic approach not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal, making it an attractive retrofit strategy for both new and existing structures.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and rising energy costs, the demand for energy-efficient buildings is on the rise. Kinetic façades offer a promising solution, one that could revolutionize the way we design and construct buildings. By integrating smart control technologies and real-time climatic data, architects and engineers can further optimize kinetic façade performance, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Published in the journal ‘Eng’ (which translates to ‘Engineering’ in English), this research is a testament to the power of innovative design and technology in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. As Ismail and his team continue to explore the potential of kinetic façades, one thing is clear: the future of building design is dynamic, responsive, and energy-efficient.