Evaluation of Double Skin Facade as Heat Modulators for Office Buildings in Kano State

Abstract

Abstract The hot dry climate of Nigeria is characterized by a period of high temperature and low relative humidity in which daily mean maximum indoor temperature for most buildings reaches about 37°C with low indoor air velocity. As such, some buildings tend to fulfil thermal requirements through dependence on mechanical means of cooling to solve overheating. This results in exorbitant cost which is disadvantageous specifically in profit oriented buildings like office buildings where user comfort dictates the level of performance. This study investigates the effectiveness of double-skin facades (DSFs) as heat modulators in the context of office buildings in Kano State. Through a comprehensive analysis of climatic conditions, building energy performance, and occupant comfort, the study assesses the practicality and benefits of integrating DSFs in the region. The research design employs explanatory and experimental approach whereby, simulation tools, and empirical data are used to evaluate the thermal performance, energy efficiency, and environmental impact of DSFs, providing valuable insights for architects, designers, and policymakers involved in sustainable building practices within Kano State. Double skin facade can increase indoor thermal comfort in a building, with wider air gaps improving the overall performance of office buildings and workers productivity. Simulation results show the behaviours of a single skin façade of a selected case study to obtain the hourly temperature of hottest day of the year in Kano and the result were obtained given the discomfort hours for ground floor as 822 hours, first floor 795hours and second floor 770 hours respectively. Similarly, it was observed that a base case setup of 15 storey Journal of African Innovation & Advanced Studies (JAIAS) African Scholar Publications & Research International www.africanscholarpub.com VOL. 02 NO. 2, DECEMBER, 2023 E-ISSN 3027-1533 P-ISSN 3026-8648 2 africanscholarpublications@gmail.com 2023 of varying cavity depths of 450mm, 600mm and 750mm were simulated. The predicted results stated that the 750mm walling setup double skin façade perform best in the hot dry climate of Kano given a great reduction in discomfort of 505hours. Conclusively, the ability of designers to harness and use the building envelope is crucial for achieving thermal comfort in hot and dry climates. Meanwhile, passive strategies such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and solar heat gain can also be incorporated into the fabric of the building. Based on these findings, the study recommends the adoption of double skin facade designs for office buildings in Kano State, as they can provide efficient thermal comfort and energy savings