Facade control systems for optimal daylighting: A case of Kerala

Abstract

Abstract Indoor environmental quality is one of the most important aspects to be considered while designing buildings. Design decisions taken to ensure indoor environmental quality depends upon the specific location, climate, form, orientation and materials used for the construction of the building. In addition to ensuring comfort and optimal occupant conditions, these design decisions also impact the overall energy consumption of the building. The design of the building envelope is of more importance in regions that receive a huge amount of solar radiation. Kerala, falling in the Tropical belt, have buildings designed (or supposed to be designed) with sufficient roofing/shading overhangs to avoid penetration of solar radiation, and direct glare towards the inside. Well-designed shading devices provide the best shading during overheated periods thus lesser heat gain or cooling load. The form of shading devices influences day-lighting inside the building. This paper intends to explore different types of shading devices and façade control systems, and their impact on daylighting inside a selected commercial building in Kerala. It concludes by identification of the most efficient design of the device in each type identified, through BIM modelling and lighting simulation, specific to the original building location, to ensure optimal daylighting while eliminating the undesirable effects of solar radiation.