Double-skin facade

A vented double-skin enclosure (‘DSk’) maximizes transparency, daylight penetration, and views while providing a high degree of solar control. 

DSk’s present unique challenges when balancing their complexity, high performance, and unique aesthetic opportunities.

With our extensive experience of DSk’s and our proven approach, we can help the team navigate through the challenges involved.

Jaqua Center 

Expense

Challenge: two ‘skins’, additional interstitial structure and complex shading are more expensive than conventional options.

Approach: our key focus is on strategies that support cost effective fabrication & installation.

Huge optionality

Challenge: there are an intimidatingly wide variety of options for materials, components, venting strategies & controls.

Approach: our analysis & visualization of energy use & interior space quality (or experience in lieu of analysis where appropriate), allows us to guide the team through the myriad of options.

Control aesthetic

Challenge: synchronized shade movement is essential for a consistent aesthetic.

Approach: we leverage our understanding of systems & components to help subdivide the shading system to facilitate synchronous shade operation.

Complexity

Challenge: DSk’s are inherently complicated with lots of components & moving parts.

Approach: our detailed understanding & wide experience helps empower the design team to embrace & move past the complexity.

Jqqua Center

Jaqua Center

Integration

Challenge: DSk’s must be fully integrated with the other building systems.

Approach: we advise on the holistic impact of facade choices on mechanical, lighting & controls.

Control lines

Challenge: Structural supports for the outside leaf penetrate air, water & thermal control lines.

Approach: we use careful detailing to ensure the penetrations do not compromise control lines.

Seattle Justice Center, WA

 Caltrans District 7 HQ, Los Angeles CA 

Goel Quantum Science & Engineering Building

 California DMV HQ 

 sn-w’ey’-mn Blg, Spokane Falls College 

 Levine Hall, University of Pennsylvania 

Sample projects:

• California Department of Motor Vehicles HQ – Sacramento, CA

• Caltrans District 7 HQ – Los Angeles, CA

• Gates Foundation HQ Initial Studies – Seattle, WA

• Goel Quantum Science & Engineering Building, Harvard University – Cambridge, MA

• Jaqua Center for Student Athletes, University of Oregon

• Levine Hall, University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA

• Seattle Justice Center – Seattle, WA

• sn-w’ey’-mn Building, Spokane Falls Community College, WA