Twin Skin Systems

Overview

Twin Skin Façade systems also known as Double façade, twin wall façades, active façades, passive façades, double envelope, double skin curtainwall, ventilated façades or multiple-skin façades offer a project arguably one of the highest performance façade systems on the world market - offering building energy savings, mechanical performance solutions and Greenstar recognition beyond that achievable with a monolithic single skin façade system. Additionally, a better working environment that improves staff productivity and reduces occupant absenteeism (sick) days is achieved.

The concept of twin skin façade walls is not new, however with the recognition of passive ventilated and free heating and cooling possible together with published evidential success world wide, the advantages of such a system have generated growing interest from building investors, mechanical engineers and architects keen to put them into practice.

The complexity and adaptability to different climatic conditions around the world does necessitate the need for careful local design and it is clear that the design of the system is crucial for the performance of the building. When designed properly they can provide both improved indoor climate and reduced use of energy at the same time and when designed and engineered well, with consultants and experienced manufacturers like Thermosash, the system is flexible enough to meet climatic changes for most types of building use.

It is important early on to define the parameters of what is wanted to be achieved as many other aspects of a project are influenced by the façade, eg materials can influence the function and the performance of the system and the physical properties of the cavity. The importance of having a competent mechanical consultant who can provide accurate calculations of the façade performance in the design stage will lead to more precise predictions and certainty going forward in the design solution.

Thermosash are the leaders in this technology and completed the first twin façade system in New Zealand on the Meridian Building in Wellington. This building is being constantly monitored and is out performing based on anticipated predictions.

Section Sizes

A double façade system is generally an amalgam of façade suites - most commonly of our Thermosash highrise and lowrise PW series (panelwall or unitised) products with the inclusion of access doors and BMS controlled actuated sashes to coordinate openings, whether the building is in heat or cooling mode.

Specification

We recommend using the following when specifying this type of suite - however on complex projects, because of the unique design requirements, a bespoke specification will be created by the mechanical consultant:

Please call us to to discuss your project early in conceptual development.

Surface Finishing

As the system is predominantly aluminium - the following surface finishes are typical.

  • Polyester powdercoat - Both standard and special colours available.
  • Anodised - All anodised colours available - commercial grade 20 micron finish recommended.
  • PVF2 Flourocarbon finishes - Available on request.

Performance / Testing

  • AS/NZS1170 (Structural Design Actions)
  • NZS4211 (Performance of Windows)
  • NZS4223 (Glazing in Buildings)
  • NZS/AS4284:2008 (Water / Air Pressure/ Air Leakage - Meets and exceeds minimum requirements)

Maximum Spanning Ability

Thermosash specifically engineers the best suite option for your project taking into consideration span, structural system, and environmental loads (e.g. wind). The spanning ability will vary depending on the above.

Thermosash Suites are recognized as having the largest spanning systems on the market due to our specific engineering capability and the customised nature of the work we complete.

Warranty

The standard warranty is 5 years from the date of practical completion for these products. This covers workmanship and weather tightness, providing the subcontract includes fabrication, installation and glazing of all components.

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System Features

  • Increased occupancy comfort.
  • Lower building running costs.
  • Potentially reduced building mechanical plant.
  • High performing façade able to achieve Greenstar accreditation.
  • Possibility to use solar control all year.
  • Ability to control overheating of offices.
  • Ability to improve visual comfort (such as avoiding glare).
  • Improved acoustical performance of the envelope.
  • Use of natural instead of mechanical ventilation when possible, using the Double Skin Façade cavity.
  • Reduction of heating demand during winter.
  • Reduction of cooling demand during summer.
  • Reduction of peak heating/cooling loads.
  • Use of natural daylight (low energy light) instead of artificial as much as possible.

Relevant Products/Suites

Relevant Projects

Spark HQ Christchurch

Spark HQ Christchurch

Christchurch

Sheppard and Rout

Naylor Love

2019

Deloitte-Auckland

Deloitte-Auckland

Auckland

Warren and Mahoney, Woods Bagot

Brookfield Multiplex

2010

Stamford Plaza Apartments

Stamford Plaza Apartments

Auckland

Peddle Thorp Architects

Fletcher

2008

NZI Centre

NZI Centre

Auckland

Jasmax

Scarbro Construction

2010

UOA Thomas Building

UOA Thomas Building

Auckland

Stephenson & Turner

Mainzeal

2010

Fonterra House

Fonterra House

Auckland

Buchan Group

Fletcher Interiors

2010

Meridian Site 7

Meridian Site 7

Wellington

Studio Pacific / Peddle Thorp

Fletcher

2007