Visually enriched with over 250 photographs and drawings, Bioclimatic Double-Skin Facades is an essential reference guide for understanding the types and functions of double-skin facades. Author Mary Ben Bonham examines the history and continuing potential of double-skin architecture, informing on the variety of approaches possible and advising a rigorous integrated design process leading to application. Featuring a wide selection of architectural examples, the book will be of interest to professionals and students within the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction.

Characterized by a buffer-like air space between two glazed building skins, double-skin windows and facades aim to improve building comfort and energy performance. Double skins introduce complexity and initial costs, yet significant buildings in locations around the globe continue to select this approach. In addition to exploring motivations, benefits, and cautions for designing with double skins, the book provides a primer on fundamental facade design concepts and strategies for control of thermal, luminous, and acoustic environments. Chapters also address alternative types of high-performance facades and implications for each phase of facade design and construction.

Bioclimatic Double-Skin Facades promotes bioclimatic design that is inspired by nature, measured in performance, and uniquely adapted to climate and place. In-depth case studies illustrate how double-skin facades have been adapted to a range of climates and cultural settings: Marseille Library and Grenoble Courthouse in France, Cambridge Public Library in Massachusetts, Manitoba Hydro Place in Canada, and the Pearl River Tower in China.

About the Author

Mary Ben Bonham is Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture + Interior Design at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is a registered architect, NCIDQ-certified interior designer, and LEED-accredited professional.

Reviews

"The building skin is the lynchpin to achieving sustainability and resilience goals in buildings and urban habitat, and double-skin facades are an established strategy in pursuing these critical goals. Bonham makes an important contribution to this effort with a long overdue articulate and comprehensive review of double-skin technology and applications.
Bonham gifts us with an articulate, comprehensive and beautifully written review of double-skin facade technology and applications. This backward and forward look at this well-established strategy in the critical pursuit to resilient and sustainable buildings and urban habitat provides a much needed update and contextualization of this rapidly evolving technology."
Mic Patterson PhD LEED AP+
Ambassador of Innovation & Collaboration
Founder, Immediate Past President
Facade Tectonics Institute

Book Information
ISBN 9780415842150
Author Mary Ben Bonham
Format Paperback
Page Count 354
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1000g