ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
PGR STREAM - ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHITECTURE
Advanced Studio Project-II - Arch 6104
BY ALEMAYEHU ZEWDU
ID-PGR35832-16
A case study on local and international examples of high-performance façade
systems, sustainable facades, zero-energy building systems, biophilic design,
passive design strategies, experimental façades, and so on and their applications on
different building types.
INSTRUCTOR –
BELAY ZELEKE (PhD)
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Case Study: High-Performance Façade Systems
Local (Ethiopia)
Building: African Union Conference Center, Addis Ababa
High-Performance Façade Systems: The African Union Conference Center utilizes
high-performance glazing systems designed to minimize solar heat gain while
maximizing natural light. This system reduces the need for artificial lighting and air
conditioning, thus lowering energy consumption.
Sustainable Facades: The façade incorporates locally sourced stone and other materials,
reducing the environmental impact associated with transportation and supporting local
economies. These materials are selected for their durability and sustainability.
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Zero-Energy Building Systems: Although not a zero-energy building, the center uses
photovoltaic panels to generate a portion of its electricity, contributing to a reduction in
overall energy demand.
Biophilic Design: The building includes landscaped courtyards and water features that
provide a natural environment for occupants, enhancing their well-being and
productivity.
Passive Design Strategies: The building is oriented to minimize direct sun exposure
during peak hours, and external shading devices reduce heat gain while allowing daylight
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to penetrate. Natural ventilation is facilitated through operable windows and strategically
placed openings.
Building: Ethiopian Airlines Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa
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High-Performance Façade Systems: The hotel features double-glazed windows with a
low-emissivity (low-E) coating that improves thermal performance by reflecting infrared
energy (heat) while allowing visible light to pass through.
Sustainable Facades: The façade incorporates green walls that provide additional
insulation, reduce urban heat island effect, and improve air quality. The plants used are
native species that require minimal water and maintenance.
Zero-Energy Building Systems: Solar water heating systems are installed to provide hot
water, significantly reducing the hotel’s reliance on traditional energy sources.
Biophilic Design: The design integrates biophilic elements such as indoor plants and
water features, which create a calming environment and improve indoor air quality.
Passive Design Strategies: Deep overhangs and pergolas are used to shade windows and
reduce solar heat gain. The building’s orientation and layout are designed to take
advantage of prevailing winds for natural cooling.
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International Example (USA)
Building: The Edge, Hudson Yards, New York
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High-Performance Façade Systems: The Edge features a triple-glazed curtain wall
system that provides superior thermal insulation and noise reduction, contributing to a
comfortable indoor environment and energy savings.
Sustainable Facades: The façade is constructed with materials that have high recycled
content and are designed for longevity. The system includes automated blinds that
respond to external light conditions, optimizing daylight use and reducing the need for
artificial lighting.
Zero-Energy Building Systems: While not a zero-energy building, The Edge
incorporates advanced energy-efficient technologies, such as smart building systems that
control lighting, HVAC, and shading based on occupancy and external weather
conditions.
Biophilic Design: The building includes indoor gardens, green terraces, and extensive
use of natural materials like wood and stone, creating a connection with nature and
enhancing occupant well-being.
Passive Design Strategies: The building’s orientation and the use of reflective materials
help reduce heat absorption. External shading devices and optimized window-to-wall
ratios further contribute to passive cooling.
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Building: Bullitt Center, Seattle
High-Performance Façade Systems: The Bullitt Center is equipped with a high-
performance envelope, including triple-glazed windows and highly insulated walls,
which significantly reduce energy loss.
Sustainable Facades: The façade is made from sustainably sourced wood and other eco-
friendly materials that ensure low environmental impact and high durability.
Zero-Energy Building Systems: The Bullitt Center is a net-zero energy building,
achieving this through a combination of energy-efficient design and extensive solar panel
installation that meets all its energy needs.
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Biophilic Design: Emphasizing natural light, views of nature, and indoor plants, the
building’s design fosters a healthy and inspiring work environment. Large operable
windows allow for natural ventilation and a direct connection to the outdoors.
Passive Design Strategies: The building’s design includes natural ventilation, solar
shading, and a highly efficient thermal envelope, minimizing the need for mechanical
heating and cooling. A rooftop rainwater collection system and composting toilets further
reduce the building's environmental footprint.
Comparison and Application to Different Building Types
Office Buildings
Ethiopian Example: The AU Conference Center demonstrates the effectiveness of
passive shading and high-performance glazing in reducing energy consumption and
improving occupant comfort in office buildings.
USA Example: The Edge in Hudson Yards exemplifies the integration of advanced
façade systems and smart technologies that enhance thermal performance and energy
efficiency in modern office towers.
Hotels
Ethiopian Example: The Ethiopian Airlines Skylight Hotel illustrates how green walls
and solar water heating systems can be employed in the hospitality sector to improve
sustainability and reduce operational costs.
USA Example: Though not a direct hotel example, the principles applied in The Edge
can be adapted to hotel design, focusing on energy efficiency, biophilic elements, and
advanced façade systems to enhance guest experience and reduce energy use.
Mixed-Use Developments
Ethiopian Example: While there is no direct mixed-use example, the sustainable and
passive design strategies used in the AU Conference Center can be adapted for mixed-use
developments to enhance their environmental performance.
USA Example: Hudson Yards, including The Edge, showcases how high-performance
and sustainable façade systems can be integrated into a mixed-use development, creating
a cohesive, energy-efficient urban environment.
Generally, the local and international examples highlight the importance of high-performance
façade systems, sustainable design practices, and energy-efficient technologies. By adopting
these strategies, buildings in different climatic contexts can achieve significant improvements in
environmental performance, occupant comfort, and operational efficiency. These case studies
provide valuable insights that can be applied to various building types, from office buildings and
hotels to mixed-use developments, promoting a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
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References
"AUCCC". African Union. 31 January 2018. Archived from the original on 31 January 2018.
Retrieved 31 January 2018.
"African Union opens Chinese-funded HQ in Ethiopia". BBC News Online. BBC. 28 January
2012. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
AddisBiz. 15 March 2015. Archived from the original on 31 January 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
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