The building envelope serves as a critical protective barrier that significantly influences energy performance, making façade design a crucial consideration in architectural planning. This study addresses the limitations of conventional optimization approaches by developing a practical methodology for early-stage design decision-making. Focusing on both opaque and transparent components of building exteriors, the research investigates key parameters affecting thermal behavior and energy efficiency. The methodology combines a systematic literature review with empirical analysis of District 15’s building stock, utilizing GIS mapping and field surveys to identify prevalent façade typologies.
A comprehensive evaluation of wall composition, insulation properties, and window-to-wall ratios reveals their collective impact on heating and cooling demands. Simulation results, validated through field measurements, demonstrate a clear correlation between wall thermal conductivity and energy consumption. Comparative analysis shows optimal façade configurations can achieve substantial energy savings - reducing heating demand by 38.43 kWh/m² and cooling load by 1.48 kWh/m² compared to inefficient designs. These findings are particularly significant for cooling-dominated climates, where electricity savings directly translate to operational cost reductions.
The study provides architects with evidence-based design guidelines for optimizing building envelopes during conceptual phases, bridging the gap between theoretical energy modeling and practical application. By quantifying the energy implications of various façade strategies, this research contributes to more sustainable building practices while establishing a replicable framework for performance-driven façade design in urban contexts.
