Since the advent of man seeking shelter, the concept of the Third Skin was critical to survival. Human skin is the first skin, our clothing is our second skin and the facades of our buildings are the Third Skin. The Third Skin describes the intimate relationship between humans and the living space. Today, the concept of the Third Skin has evolved into the popular designation of the Dynamic Façade. The Dynamic Facade is the filter between the indoor and outdoor environments. This filter should provide protection from the elements, such as heat and cold, an exchange of ventilated fresh air, sufficient natural daylight, and a connection with the outdoors.
The intention of today’s building skin is to create a place for the occupants to live, work or learn in comfort along with a visual connection to the outside world. The Dynamic Façade is designed to filter and manipulate sunlight, regulate heat exchanges, provide ventilation and reduce energy costs.
With the advent of today’s Dynamic Facades, window coverings play a critical role in the success of the façade or third skin. With this need of high performance, window coverings have evolved into what we call Engineered Shading Solutions. The definition of which is:
“Engineered Shading Solutions are sustainable systems for
interior and exterior window coverings which engage the
latest technologies to control heat, glare and light.”
Today Engineered Shading Solutions are considered part of the building systems, just as important as HVAC and lighting. The drawing below shows how these three elements all contribute to the success of The Dynamic Façade.
The Dynamic Façade is seen among today’s most sustainable building throughout the world. One project of particular note is in Sydney, Australia where the Architect Christoph Ingenhoven created a double glass walled façade that takes advantage of Sydney’s temperate climate. The building has a full height atrium that uses the “stack-effect” to accomplish natural ventilation. The automated windows open to allow the outside air to cool the building on warm days.
In between the double glass façade are aluminum horizontal louvers that tilt on command from the sun tracking software. Since the glass envelope protects the blinds, there is no need for them to retract for high winds.
With the advent of The Dynamic Façade, today’s buildings incorporate Engineered Shading Solutions to control solar heat gain, glare and light.