Twin Skin Solutions - Façade system
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 the facade design as many other aspects of a project are influenced by the façade, e.g. 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 outperforming based on anticipated predictions.
- CategoryGlazed Facade Systems
- 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.
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.
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)
Section Sizes
A double façade system is generally an amalgam of façade suites - most commonly of our Thermosash highrise and lowrise PW series products with the inclusion of access doors and BMS controlled actuated sashes to coordinate openings, whether the building is in heat or cooling mode.
Please call us to to discuss your project early in conceptual development.
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: Masterspec 4211TS Curtainwalls Masterspec 4251TS Commercial Windows
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Twin Skin Solutions - Façade system
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About the
Seller
Thermosash is New Zealand’s largest commercial window, curtainwall, total clad façade designer, manufacturer and contractor - local since 1973.
As a world class supplier of engineered façades, we provide, through constant evolution of our product range, systems that are trusted and proven.
“Our work at Thermosash is critical to the building industry. Our prefabricated design specific engineered building envelopes shape the appearance of our skylines: offering comfort to occupants from heat and cold, protection from the elements, respite from the acoustic discomfort of busy cities and pleasure to those who appreciate the built environment”. David Hayes, Group Managing Director.
Our growth since 1973 demonstrates that the strength we offer the building industry is underpinned by supplying quality, long lasting, engineered building envelope systems. Our ability to meet tight lead times and on-site programmes, our acceptance of transfer of design responsibility, our engineering, manufacturing, logistics and on-site capabilities, together with our team’s passion and quality service commitment enables us to remain at the forefront of the facade subcontracting industry.
Our Expertise
Thermosash’s abilities have grown since its 1973 start-up when Laurie Hayes and his colleagues manufactured commercial windows out of a small production facility. It quickly became apparent that the products and skills of the workforce were creating a performing quality, flexible product that the market sought.
Over time, our teams of dedicated and committed people have grown, this has been possible through constant reassessment of internal and external processes and manufacturing methods from around the world. We’ve also provided ongoing reinvestment in the training of our people to ensure lean process, IT Systems, material handling machinery and transport logistics equipment, as well as design office and factory production process improvements. We are able to offer a world class company with manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Our Offering
We offer an extensive range of cost effective, high performance rainscreen, pressure equalised window, door and façade solutions to suit any commercial project. Our products are incorporated in high-rise office blocks, apartment buildings, shopping centres, airports, institutions, hotels, industrial complexes and quality architectural homes.
In addition to offering bespoke façade solutions for new builds, we are experts in recladding, rainscreen over-cladding and the refurbishment of existing façades.
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