Double skin facades, with their ability to harvest or protect from the external environment according to the season, are able to address both issues. Occupant control is restored, naturally ventilation is possible, high levels of natural daylighting can be achieved, good thermal closure is possible and consequently energy savings are delivered.

During the last 20 years or more the idea of the addition of a second skin to the building envelope has gained increasing currency. In terms of designed configurations, the proposition achieved maturity quite quickly. Even the early versions such as what was originally known as the Hooker Building in Niagara Falls, USA, designed in 1979, incorporated many of the features incorporated in the multiple skins of today: two glass walls spaced far enough apart to accommodate a shading device and maintenance, with the potential for ventilation, all controlled by a central building management system, with a view to energy conservation and the provision of comfort to the interior.

Battle McCarthy requested the collaboration of Professor Michael Wigginton of the School of Architecture, University of Plymouth, who had been a Partner in the original proposal  made to the DETR in November 1997. Franklinand Andrews, Quantity surveyors, subsequently joined the research team.

The purpose of the proposal was to carry out a research study to assess the energy saving potential from the use of ventilated double façades in buildings.  The objective was to produce a Design Guide to enable the building professional to assess the potential application and benefits of a double façades, with the specific aim of reducing energy usage whilst maintaining building comfort.  The Guide was intended to present the environmental and economic benefits and costs to be considered when designing double ventilated facades.

For further details concerning Battle McCarthy's reseach into double skin technology please see our Double Skin Factsheet and Battle McCarthy's Environmental Second Skin Systems Website.