Facade design for noise attenuation and thermal comfort through natural ventilation for high-rise office buildings in the Netherlands

Abstract

High-rises are usually ventilated mechanically in order to ensure thermal and acoustic comfort in the indoor environment. Consequently, the energy consumption in summer months is increased while the indoor air quality is usually deteriorated due to poor maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems. The topic of the current thesis is the design of a facade panel which provides natural ventilation while keeping high comfort levels in the indoor environment for high-rise office buildings in the Netherlands. Firstly, literature is reviewed about topics of sound theory, noise propagation in the urban environment, noise propagation through facades, natural ventilation in high-rises and Phase Change Materials. Several case studies are examined while conclusions are formed regarding the existing design strategies for natural ventilation and sound insulation in high-rises. The developed design concept is based on the use of a double skin facade system where sound absorbing materials and Phase Change Materials are applied in the double skin cavity. Several ventilation strategies are formed in order to ensure that the suggested system functions effectively in an annual basis. To evaluate the developed concept and to make estimations regarding its acoustic and thermal performance calculations are conducted indicating the facade’s cavity temperature, the levels of sound insulation and the amount of the provided airflow. After taking into account the calculations’ results, several facade typologies are developed and evaluated according to their feasibility, cost and aesthetic value. The most optimum typology is designed in detail while an analysis is conducted regarding its thermal performance, water tightness and maintenance.