Transitioning from static to dynamic building enclosure is an alternative solution to respond to the challenges of unpredictable climate conditions. This research was focused on the design and performance evaluation of a dynamic building façade system that can control the flow of heat, air, and moisture in buildings. This resulted in the design of the MICRO-V (multi-functional, integrated, climate-responsive, opaque, and ventilated) building façade. This research was conducted in three phases:

Design phase: To create the façade assembly and select the best performing materials and configuration for the façade, a design framework was developed to support decision-making. This tool has several steps to assess the quantitative and qualitative metrics for multi-functional dynamic façades. The design framework can be applied as a standalone tool for early-stage design of similar responsive façades. Full study can be found here. 

Design optimization phase: After the concept of the opaque façade was designed and initial materials were selected, the façade was optimized using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). MICRO-V is multi-functional as it controls heat, air, and moisture transport. Additionally, the façade acts as a decentralized ventilation system providing pre-heated/cooled fresh air. At the core of the façade, a heat exchanger was designed to allow for the passage of air, which also transforms the performance of the insulation to a dynamic insulation. One of the key materials in the façade is phase change materials (PCMs) to provide thermal energy storage. The design of the façade was optimized using a parametric simulation analysis in COMSOL© by testing the following parameters:

• Insulation thickness and thermal conductivity

• Air cavity thickness

• PCM melting temperature for summer and winter

The design with the best performing heat and moisture transfer was selected. Full study can be found here.        

Performance evaluation phase: The best performing design configuration was constructed to a modular prototype (0.6 m2 × 0.9 m2) and tested experimentally in real-time. The MICRO-V façade was installed in a real-scale experimental test cell. The following parameters were measured for one year in the BETOP test cell in Toronto:

• Façade performance:

  • Thermal and hygrothermal performance of the façade (surface temperature, relative humidity and air temperature in the cavities, and thermal conductivity of the insulation).

• Indoor room conditions in the test cell:

  • Room air temperature and relative humidity

  • Air velocity measurements in different areas of the room

The results showed the effectiveness of the MICRO-V façade in pre-heating and pre-cooling fresh air under different outdoor climate conditions that impacted room temperatures. Full study can be found here.

The increasing need for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings has led to the development innovative solutions. Phase change materials (PCMs) are an example of such innovations as they regulate indoor temperatures at a stable range, which could lead to reduced energy consumption and emissions by storing and releasing thermal energy, making them an effective solution for thermal energy storage (TES) in buildings​. PCMs store heat through a latent heat storage process, at a specific melting temperature. In addition to the type of material and specific material properties, designing PCMs in relation to the environmental conditions and their specific application requirements is critical to enhance their performance. At the core of design for PCM integration in buildings is the primary material selection in relation to the boundary conditions. Existing PCM selection methods mainly focus on beneficial and non-beneficial attributes, lacking a practical decision-making approach that integrates both technical and managerial considerations. Previous studies have used various multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods, but they do not account for real-world target values or a comprehensive multi-scenario approach​.

In this study aims a novel PCM selection approach that was developed that integrates the Best-Worst Method (BWM), Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo), and Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis plus the full MULTIplicative form (MULTIMOORA) using an interval-valued target-based structure. The objective is to enhance PCM selection by incorporating technical and managerial criteria, optimizing material choices for building applications​.

The study adopted a hybrid decision-making framework, IV-T-BWM-CoCoMULTIMOORA, which:

• Integrates BWM to determine the best and worst criteria, and applies CoCoSo and MULTIMOORA methods to rank PCM alternatives.

• Conducts a case study on PCM selection for interior building surfaces, evaluating commercially available PCMs based on technical and managerial attributes​

The selection method was applied to a case study in Toronto, Canada, comparing commercial PCMs based on thermophysical and managerial parameters. Different rankings emerged when focusing separately on technical or managerial criteria, demonstrating the necessity of a combined approach.

Temperature fluctuations and extreme high and low temperatures in indoor spaces can lead to considerable thermal discomfort and high space heating and cooling energy demand. In this study, the application of latent heat thermal energy storage using PCMs was assessed as a retrofit measure in high-rise residential buildings. PCM integrated surfaces were applied to interior ceiling and walls with two melting temperatures for annual temperature regulation. This study was performed in two phases: 

PCM selection study:

In a parametric analysis, different parameters were tested to select the most appropriate hybrid PCM. The study was performed using numerical simulations with the whole building energy modeling tool DesignBuilder on a typical apartment residential unit. The impact of the following parameters was tested on energy consumption, thermal comfort parameters, indoor air and surface temperatures:

• Window to wall ratio (40%, 60%, and 80%)

• Unit orientation

• Climate conditions (Toronto, Vancouver)

• PCM melting temperature ranges for summer and winter (21 oC and 25oC)

The study narrowed down the best composite PCM design for each climate and apartment unit layout. The design of a hybrid PCM application that can respond to a larger temperature range provides a significant opportunity for thermal mass integration in buildings in thin layers using PCMs that results in lower energy performance due to peak shifting and more constant temperatures within the units. The full study can be found here. 

Performance evaluation:

To validate the simulation study and understand how the composite PCM system performs in real time, two small scale test cells were constructed. One reference cell with no PCM surfaces, and the other cell integrated with the hybrid PCM in walls and ceiling. The experimental tests were performed in the climate of Toronto for three months in the summer. The results showed an average 6oC temperature reduction in the PCM test cell compared to the reference cell in maximum outdoor air temperature conditions.

Eastern Pine

Eastern Pine is an affordable multifamily residential apartment in downtown Toronto for young adults and families designed with an integrated design approach. This design project was part of the US DOE Race to Zero Student Design Competition, which won the first prize in the category of small multifamily residential buildings. The project was completed in a collaborative effort with architecture, building science and mechanical engineering students in the Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition to affordability, energy efficiency and sustainable construction principles were the core design strategies. With this target, the building enclosure, building systems, and architectural planning was completed. The design achieved Passive House US (PHIUS) certification, LEED, and DOE Zero Energy ready certifications. 

Technical research (Responsibilities as a team member)

• Energy simulation using WUFIPlus, BEopt

• Enclosure design 

• Thermal comfort based on ASHRAE Standard 55, EN15251

• Indoor air quality based on Indoor airPlus Checklist and LEED V4 home Platinum Certification

• Material selection with low VOC based on GreenGuard, HPD and Living Building Challenge Red List free certifications. 

NZEB Office

The design of a net zero energy office building in Toronto was performed to serve as a prototype for Net Zero office developments. The energy efficiency and sustainability targets were set to achieve Net Zero Energy Certification of the Living Building Challenge with 80% reduction in energy use compared to average Ontario office energy usage. The project was completed in a group of four students. The renewable energy generation on site produces 40,000 kWh/year of electricity. 

Technical research (Responsibilities as a team member)

• Architectural design using AutoCad, Revit

• Daylighting system and analysis using Ecotect

• Natural ventilation design

• Building material selection