The performance of windows, walls, ceilings, and other building components determine the energy cost as well as the size of the heating and cooling equipment. Therefore, while energy-efficient windows cost more initially, savings on energy bills coupled with a reduction in purchase price of heating and cooling system can offset initial capital cost. “Primary elements of the building envelop affecting energy performance of the building are roof, walls, openings and shading devices. Today, these are designed as just elevations, cosmetic in nature and not actively designed in response to climate. We need to have a thoughtful design approach while designing the building envelop to make the building more energy efficient”, says Ar. Vivek Bhole, Chairman & Managing Director, Vivek Bhole Architects Pvt. Ltd. According to Sanjeev Sharma, Architect & Owner of Orionn
Ar. Vivek Bhole, Chairman & Managing Director, Vivek Bhole Architects Pvt. Ltd.
l 52 WFM Anniversary Edition l
Innovative facade design - A project by Ar. Vivek Bhole
Architects, in the conceptual design phase of a building, designs and selection of façades and fenestration systems play a crucial role in determining building performance. A façade can be designed to restrict heat flow, trapping conditioned cool air, and simultaneously catering for natural ventilation. Façades today are designed after a lot of research and study. Sun path analysis is conducted for selection of the right type of glazing. Spandrel panels are designed in ways to avoid glare.
Sanjeev Sharma, Architect & Owner of Orionn Architects
Arjun Srinivasan, Director, ECUBE WINDOORS
In some cases, sun-breakers are integrated in the façade to cut off heat and allow diffused light to pass through. The design of an efficient façade or fenestration begins by defining Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the building depending on its location in one of five climatic zones within India. For a tropical country, consideration of basic passive solar design criteria such as orientation, optimization of window wall ratio (WWR), solar shading etc. can greatly reduce building envelope related heat
Architects Oscar Concessao & Ponni Concessao, Oscar & Ponni Architects, Chennai