Crafting a High-Performing Double-Skin Facade
Leading global contractor brings its construction expertise to all projects, in particular when dealing with advanced facades. The company’s sustainability expert will discuss the process of designing—in collaboration with SOM—and constructing the highly innovative building envelope at the new Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing at MIT. The glass shingles that make up the building’s south-facing side not only provide ample natural light, but their unique assembly also forms a double-skin facade crafted from interlocking units to create a deep-sealed cavity, which is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption.
Sponsored by Permasteelisa
Leading global contractor brings its construction expertise to all projects, in particular when dealing with advanced facades. The company’s sustainability expert will discuss the process of designing—in collaboration with SOM—and constructing the highly innovative building envelope at the new Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing at MIT. The glass shingles that make up the building’s south-facing side not only provide ample natural light, but their unique assembly also forms a double-skin facade crafted from interlocking units to create a deep-sealed cavity, which is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption.
Permasteelisa is the world’s largest player in the engineering, manufacturing and installation of architectural envelopes (“curtain walls”). The company works with the most important contemporary architects to develop and offer high tech solutions in the construction industry. Permasteelisa has operations in four continents (Europe, Asia, USA and Australia) through a network of more than 60 companies located in over 25 countries. Permasteelisa is headquartered in Vittorio Veneto, North East Italy.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Discuss how the exterior’s shingled-glass facade creates a visual cue that differentiates the lower floors from the upper section. Describe how the south-facing side of the building’s double-skin facade was constructed from innovative interlocking glass units. Explain how the facade’s cavity is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption. Discuss how the building’s transparent facade creates a state-of-the-art space for education, research, and collaboration and beacon to the community at its central location within the MIT campus.
