World-leading facade manufacturer Permasteelisa Group introduced a new
facade type at the recently held Glass Technology Live show in Düsseldorf. Permasteelisa
Group offers three brands of facades, including Permasteelisa, Gartner and
Scheldebouw.
Designed as an innovative facade for sustainable buildings, Permasteelisa’s
D3 facade has evolved from the MFreeS facade, and is a three-layer facade
featuring two closed cavities. The D3 architectural facade constitutes of three
layers of single coated glass that create two completely closed cavities where
a very efficient shading system with aluminium and wooden louvers is placed.
The two motor-operated blinds and the possibility of using a variety of
materials offering dynamically changing visual appearances set the D3 facade
apart by offering a broader scope for architectural facade design. Since the
closed facade cavities are protected against weathering and grime, highly
efficient systems for solar and glare shading and daylight control can be
utilised.
The D3’s two closed cavities are continuously supplied with purified and
dried air to avoid condensation at changing temperatures. The dried air is
generated by one or more central dry air stations. The external climate is
continuously checked by an electronic control unit and the quantity of dried
air is adjusted accordingly, minimising energy consumption.
D3: Dual, Dynamic and Durable
Dual combines performance and aesthetics to offer a double advantage.
The two independent closed cavities allow a more efficient management of the facade
and contribute to the efficiency of the cooling/heating system: during summer
months, solar gain is reduced by using the blinds placed in the outer cavity,
while the use of the inner blinds during the colder months allows heat to be
brought inside the building. Aesthetically, the ability to install two
different blinds of different materials and colours creates the possibility of
having a distinct look for different seasons.
Dynamic adapts itself to the different external climatic conditions, thanks
to a specific control-setting algorithm, as well as occupants’ comfort and
energy needs through user override possibility.
Durable increases the life expectancy of the facade thanks to the elimination
of insulating glazing units and the use of a robust, integrated blind system in
protected, clean cavities.
The prototype of the sustainable facade shown at the Glass Technology
Live yields the following performances: Solar heat gain coefficient SHSC of
0.08 during summer and 0.57 during winter; U-value of 0.62 W/m²K during night
and of 0.83 W/m²K during daytime; Sound reduction of 55 dB; Light transmittance
of 65% under diffuse light conditions.
