Dynamic Façade System for Building Retrofitting: A Numerical Study on a Tertiary Building in Italy

Tertiary sector buildings, constituting 25% of the built environment, have energy consumption typically 40% higher than residential buildings. Many tertiary buildings require significant repair and deep energy improvements to meet European energy efficiency goals. In this context, Second Skin Façade (SSF) systems, which add an external layer with an air gap to existing façades, offer a solution to reduce heat losses and save energy. This study examines the performance of a dynamic SSF system made of 3D-printed panels controlled to enhance visual comfort and reduce energy consumption in a southern Italian tertiary building. A numerical analysis has been carried out using TRNSYS simulation software. The results indicate that precise design and control of the dynamic SSF system can achieve a ~10% reduction in primary energy consumption and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions while enhancing indoor visual comfort compared to the reference case.