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Investigation and Study of a Transparent and Translucent Facade System, with a Minimum Thickness, a Free Form Design, and a High Thermal Insulation Value to be used in to Architectural Development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2011

Luis A. Alonso
Affiliation:
Department of Building and Architectural Technology, School of Architecture, UPM, Avda. Ramiro de Maeztu, s/n, 28040, Madrid. Spain
Benito Lauret
Affiliation:
Department of Building and Architectural Technology, School of Architecture, UPM, Avda. Ramiro de Maeztu, s/n, 28040, Madrid. Spain
Fernando Alonso
Affiliation:
Department of Languages and Systems and Software Engineering, School of Computing, UPM, Campus de Montegancedo, s/n, 28660, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid. Spain
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Abstract

This article examines, from the energy viewpoint, a new lightweight, slim, high energy efficient, light-transmitting envelope system, providing for seamless, free-form designs for use in architectural projects. The research was based on envelope components already existing on the market, especially components implemented with granular silica aerogel insulation, as this is the most effective translucent thermal insulation there is today. The tests run on these materials revealed that there is not one that has all the features required of the new envelope model, although some do have properties that could be exploited to generate this envelope, namely, the vacuum chamber of vacuum insulated panels (VIP), the monolithic aerogel used as insulation in some prototypes, and reinforced polyester barriers. By combining these three design components — the high-performance thermal insulation of the vacuum chamber combined with monolithic silica aerogel insulation, the free-form design potential provided by materials like reinforced polyester and epoxy resins—, we have been able to define and test a new, variable geometry, energy-saving envelope system.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2011

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References

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