Adaptable envelopes integrated in building refurbishment projects

Specific challenge:The refurbishment of the existing building stock requires ground-breaking strategies in order to meet targets for reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most important components to be addressed with an innovative approach is the building envelope, which has to develop into an active rather than a passive element, meeting more functions than just the separation of the outer space from the interior with insulation.

The concept of adaptable envelope is twofold. On the one hand, it is designed to accommodate further modifications (such as future renovation or technology upgrades). On the other hand, the envelope is able to adapt to a dynamic and intricate environment by measuring and processing multi-source information (e.g. outdoor and indoor environment conditions, occupancy, behaviour of users and envelope performance) in order to respond to the building occupant’s instructions and to evolving environmental conditions in an appropriate timing and exten