Week 12 - Facade Experimentation

After investigating the two exemplar facade designs which I researched this week I was still undecided as to which type would best suit my building both visually and functionally. Therefore, I decided to complete an experimentation of the two designs, through a simple light and shade analysis of a mass model. It is to be believed that the space I will be investigating is the Lecture/Multipurpose Room on Level 1.

Vertical Fin Facade Elevation

The image above shows the typical elevation view of the vertical fin facade on the building. As it can be seen it stretches from slab to ceiling to ensure all unwanted sunlight is minimised.

Vertical Fin Facade Perspective

The image above reveals a perspective view of the facade. As this facade is east facing, the fins have been angled at 45 degrees to the north so as to block out most of the morning sun.

Sunlight entrance from the in the morning (east)

As you can see the vertical fins work effectively to minimise the entrance of the morning sunlight between 6am to 10 am. As the strongest amount of sunlight is recorded during a morning period it is important that the space is well protected. It is obvious that the space will remain shaded for most of the morning...with limited amounts of filtered light entering the interior. This will create a great working environment for the user.

Sunlight entrance during the day (north)

It is noted that the building will receive a lot of sun during the day and I feel that although it is important to block out most of this, it is also important that some filtered light enters the space. The vertical shades effectively filter the light into the space creating a cool shadow effect upon the ground whilst also somewhat lighting up the space. With the entrance of some sunlight, artificial lights will not need to be used as much and with limited heat gain this will be the same for any sort of air conditioning/HVAC system. This will inturn make the building more sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Sunlight entrance within the interior

Again in the above diagram you can see the filtration of light during the day. This image is very powerful and seems to creates its on purpose and mood for the space. As such it will create a great user working environment.

Horizontal blade facade elevation

The above diagram is a typical elevation of the horizontal blade facade. The members stretch across the entirety of the wall.

Sunlight entrance during the morning (east)

Like the vertical fins, the horizontal blades work very effectively to minimise the entrance and impact of the strong morning sun from the east. The room is left in shadows and as a result will make the space very cool in temperature for the occupants.

Sunlight entrance in the day (north)

The horizontal blade facade however lacks the ability to filter light in during the day, as you can see in the above image. The room will remain in darkness during the day which is definitely not the desired outcome which I wish to achieve. Although the room may have a well regulated temperature the space will always need artificial lighting to brighten it. This will create greater energy use and loads, meaning more money to be spent overall on electricity.

As a result of this experiment I have decided to utilise the vertical fin facade due to its impressive functionality and visual quality. It will keep the room/s shaded during the morning period but also allow for some filtered light during the day in order to delight the user of the space. Over the next week I will begin to model this facade within Sketchup to really see its effect on the building overall.