The Role Of Shading Systems In The Performance Of Curtain Wall Architecture – Regulations, Capabilities & Considerations

The curtain wall, with its high transparency and refined aesthetic, is a common façade system for office projects and increasingly also for high rise residential.  

There are many good reasons architects choose to specify these lightweight, non-structural façade systems. They provide protection from the elements; help moderate the effects of wind and minimise building sway; ensure fire, smoke, and acoustic separation; create a barrier to water penetration; and provide open views and abundant daylight.

With transparency, however, comes high solar exposure and the risk of glare and overheating. Energy codes now require designers to meet levels of performance that cannot be easily met with a conventional approach.

In this session of CPD Live, we look at curtain wall performance and the contribution of sunshading technologies for daylighting, solar control and other elements of building comfort.

We outline the variables involved in selecting the type of curtain wall, discuss the role of sun shading devices and highlight regulatory requirements associated with their selection including the NCC and Green Star.

Specified appropriately, shading for curtain walls reduce solar transmissions and deliver all the environmental and financial benefits associated with good thermal performance. We discuss the demands of stakeholders in curtain wall projects and provide strategies for collaboration.

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

•   Define the term ‘curtain wall’ and outline the functions and benefits of these façade systems
•   Identify the various types of curtain walls in use, and the variables involved in choosing between these options
•   Outline the sun shading options for various types of curtain walls and explain how it can be optimised
•   Identify the regulations associated with sunshading of curtain walls and explain how they differ around Australia

(PC18 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, PC 25 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, PC39 DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION, PC46 DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION)

Speakers

Peter Skinner, Founder & Director, Shade Factor

Peter Skinner, founder and director of Shade Factor, brings a trained architectural perspective to the sun shading industry. With over 25 years of experience, he has successfully led Shade Factor through numerous noteworthy projects, including several prominent towers in Sydney’s CBD and the current Martin Place metro development with Tzannes Architects. Peter’s drawing and documentation background brings to Shade Factor a methodology centered around sketch exploration and the development of detailed solutions to sun shading requirements. This comprehensive approach delivers confidence to architects, builders and clients alike that their project has been considered from all angles. Peter has passion for innovation and precision engineering, evidenced by the strong global and local partnerships he has forged; notably, his collaboration with Warema in Germany, one of the world’s largest sun shading manufacturers, provides Shade Factor with access to products that enhance Australian buildings. Additionally, these partnerships allow Peter and Shade Factor to remain at the forefront of sustainability knowledge, drawing inspiration from advanced markets and incorporating the latest sustainable practices into their work.

Markus Zawierta, Sales Manager, WAREMA International GmbH 

 Markus Zawierta is a leading expert in the field of automated solar shading and façade technology, known for his contributions to modern and sustainable architecture. With a deep understanding of technically demanding customized solutions, he has been involved in a large number of international, outstanding projects. Markus’ work focuses on the development of energy-efficient and sustainable solutions that meet the demands of today’s modern architecture. Through the capabilities and resources at WAREMA International as well as his innovative approaches and pursuit of excellence, he has made significant contribution to supplying automated solar shading solutions to modern buildings that are both sustainable and efficient. 

Chris Godsell, Principal, Chris Godsell Architect (CGA)

Chris is a passionate and respected Architect with over 30 years’ experience.  He has collaborated with some of Australia’s most celebrated architects, including Sean Godsell, Peter Elliott AM and Nonda Katsalidis AM. He is an experienced leader across all project phases. His design expertise spans across community master planning, multi residential, commercial, institutional, sports and aquatic, educational and residential design. His diverse portfolio of work includes projects that have received over 25 national and international awards. Chris is passionate about the human condition, the environment and the important role architecture plays both environmentally and socially. He is driven by innovation and the need to provide fully integrated design solutions of enduring quality.