As buildings undergo a smart evolution in sensors, communication, HVAC, energy management and so on, the building façade is no exception. Intelligent building and research firms around the world are creating innovative and multi-faceted building skins. Much like human skin, a building’s outer layer needs to be weatherproof, insulating and, ideally, maintain an attractive appearance. Also like a human skin, a building’s façade has the potential to provide essential sensory input, allow regulation of temperature and air circulation, adapt to its environment and derive important elements from the sun’s rays. Dutch architects and engineers Jon Kristinsson and Andy Dobbelsteen have released details on a new ‘smart skin’ system for zero-energy buildings, conceived by Dr Noor van Andel and Mr Peter T Oei. Tests on prototypes have shown promising results. Smart skin is a thin translucent skin for buildings instead of walls. Groundwater is used to buffer the temperature difference between night and day and even […]