AN INVESTIGATION ON THE LEVELS OF INTEGRATION FOR FAçADE LAYERS AND PREFABRICATED COMPONENTS IN RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE HEIGHT OF BUILDING

Abstract

The demands for façade integration originate in the need for construction efficiency and economic returns. With growing awareness for sustainable living in recent years, the design for high-rise façade aims for a more economical and sustainable energy consumption pattern through the integration of more environmental functions. A context-specific exploration examines façade integration in relation to building height in the temperate climate. Two types of façade integration were developed for the purpose of this paper, namely Layer and Skin. For optimal façade performance and construction efficiency, it is predicated that, as building height increases, the number of façade layers decreases and merges into set of material components (skin) for optimal façade performance. Further, the greater the building height, the more efficient is the construction method using frame construction over the post-andrail façade construction. Following this, case studies compares façade integration in buildings of different height. This investigation on the levels of integration for façade layers and components in relation to building height, aims to provide architects and façade designers a new understanding that informs the rationale and subjectivity behind façade integration.