ventilated active façade

The framework of the research presented in the paper is a project oriented to promote the use of concrete solutions in buildings based on maximizing the benefits of its thermal inertia for cooling periods.

The constructive solution developed has one configuration for summer (cooling mode). This configuration is similar to a ventilated facade that is formed by a thermally insulated outer layer of concrete, an intermediate air layer and an inner layer of concrete. The inner layer is cooled at night by forced ventilation using an outdoor - outdoor scheme.

This paper analyses the energy efficiency of a Ventilated Active Façade (VAF) applied to office buildings in Spain in comparison with conventional façades that comply with the minimum energy requirements of the Spanish Technical Building Regulation (Código Técnico de la Edificación - CTE). The analysis considers the climatic diversity of the 12 climatic zones of Spain. The studied VAF consists of an outer layer element of 2 mm galvanized steel panels and a 3 cm air cavity through which the ventilation air is preheated in winter and exhausted in summer.