Reconsidering Facade Culture

Abstract

This study investigates the development of a modular facade system designed to align with sustainable construction paradigms, focusing on a standardized façade structure, renewable materials, and climate design for wellbeing. Using the Dutch climate and societal context as a reference, the research outlines key performance criteria for three programmatic types: dwellings, office space and commercial space. The interscale approach allowed for a multifaceted elaboration, allocating the cassette as core concept.
The findings indicate that closed cassettes provide superior insulation and acoustic performance, while open systems prioritize ventilation and daylight but require careful balancing to maintain energy efficiency. Alternative solutions, such as 3D-printed demountable plugs and internal drainage systems, enhance modularity, reuse potential and the implementation of bio-based materials. Green facades and photovoltaic panels further augment ecological and energy performance. The proposed system achieves significant modularity and adaptability but requires further exploration of complex geometries, advanced biobased materials, and optimized accessories. This work establishes a versatile template for sustainable facade design, suitable for varied architectural contexts.