Double skin facades - uniqueness meets energy efficiency and functionality
When designing a new building, there are often two major goals. On the one hand, you often want to build an imposing and unique building that stands out from the grey mass. On the other hand, everything should be as energy-efficient and functional as possible.
A double skin façade unites these two goals. They consist of an inner, traditional façade and an outer second skin. The inner façade is the end to the individual areas of use and usually also assumes the thermal insulation function. The outer skin, on the other hand, has the function of absorbing environmental effects such as solar heat input, wind loads or other weather conditions. Both facade levels are separated by an air space that can be different in width. Different variants are possible here, from a few centimetres to several metres. This gap can be used, for example, for mechanical shading systems. The outer skin protects the systems from environmental influences, such as strong storms, and thus prevents possible damage. In addition, fresh air can be introduced into the building via the interspace.
The popularity of double-skin facades is increasing as it allows the combination of energy-efficient glazing with a mechanical shading device. Depending on which glass is chosen, the advantages in terms of energy management as well as sound and thermal insulation also differ.
An impressive example of the use of a double-skin facade is the 43 m high office tower in Eschborn. The fully glazed double-skin facade characterizes the modern and individual architectural concept of the object. The sun protection insulating glass TG-THERM®sun was used. Thanks to a special coating, TG-THERM®sun reflects more UV radiation than conventional glass. In contrast to conventional sun protection glass, TG-THERM®sun also offers superior mechanical and chemical resistance as well as improved aesthetics. It also ensures greater transparency and color neutrality. The 1552 large-format box windows are up to 1,906 x 4,906 mm in size. In total, this corresponds to a glass volume of almost 6,000 m².