BestFacade

Best Practice for Double Skin Facades

supported by
 Fundamentals, History

“Essentially a pair of glass “skins” separated by an

air corridor. The main layer of glass is usually insula-
ting. The air space between the layers of glass acts
as insulation against temperature extremes, winds,
and sound.
[Harrison K. & Meyer-Boake T.: The Tectonics of the
Environmental Skin, University of Waterloo, School of
Architecture, (2003)]

BestFacade – Fundamentals
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades

WP1 was proposed as a starting point for for further work in the Bestfaçade work document or documents about a special flow in the façade as well as maintenance dings have mechanical ventilation systems
the following work packages. Thus all part-
packages such as non technological bar- aspect of double skin facades. The main and costs. and the heating and cooling is performed
ners have been involved into the design ofriers, benchmarks, calculation method function and advantage of this database is The analysis is been drawn for the aspects, most often by air heating/cooling systems.
the questionnaires according to the spe- up to the dissemination activities. After a the possibility to get an efficient overview types of façade in different countries, DSF The types of façades are mainly multis-
cial needs of their work packages and first round in WP1 more than 360 articles, about the literature, ranked by keywords in different climatic regions of Europe, torey and corridor type, in Belgium juxta-
have used their good contacts within the books, proceedings, diploma thesis and and their relevance in this document. existing simulations and measurements, posed modules are frequently used. The
building scene to get data on implemented PhD thesis about double skin facades are The second important part of the literature thermal behaviour, indoor air quality, com-
facades in their countries. available within the literature database. A database are the full-text files behind the fort, user acceptance, energy demand and Facts
The architectural aspects of DSF in Europesecond upgrading of the literature databa- literature database entries. In the moment consumptions, control strategies, integra- torey and corridor type, in Belgium jux-
are discussed for their conception and se is planned for the last year of the Best- there are in summary 161 articles in form ted building technology, costs (investment, taposed modules are frequently used.
glass architecture in general, the need offaçade project. A special four-language of PDF-files available. The PDFs can be maintenance, operation), resource conser- The façade gaps are mostly naturally
an integrated planning approach, lighting,keyword list (English, French, Dutch and searched also by keywords. vation, environmental impact, comparison ventilated (except for Belgium, where
the multitude of the city, environmental ar-
German) was developed to classify the li- to conventional glass facades (CGFs), in- the indoor air is led by mechanical
chitecture, the facade as communication terature by reducing and completing an The main goal of WP1 tegration of renewable energy sources into ventilation via the gap to the centra-
and sound attenuation. existing list from BBRI. This keyword list is The main goal of WP1 was to analyse im- DSF, and non-energy related EIE/04/135/ lized air handling unit). The shading
the main feature for finding and using the plemented DSF all over Europe. 27 fa- S07.38652 “Best Practice for Double Skin is performed mainly with Venetian
special four-language keyword list literature database. cades of different buildings in all partner Façades” WP1 Report 80 blinds located in the gap. The clea-
A centralised database containing litera- The documents are sorted and evalua- countries of Bestfacade have been studied issues: acoustics, aesthetics, fire protec- ning of the outer shell is done via a
ture about double skin facades has been ted by their authors, keywords, language by means of a standardized questionnaire. tion, moisture, corrosion, durability, main- cradle or a lifting platform, the gla-
created in the framework of the Work Pa- and publication type, with the objective to The questionnaire comprises data on loca- tenance, repair. Most of the buildings are zing of the gap is mainly cleaned from
ckage 1 serving as the knowledge base make it as easy as possible to find a special tion, information about the building and office buildings followed by schools and the gap or from the interior.
the facade, construction and route of air service buildings. Nearly all of the buil-

 www.bestfacade.com www.bestfacade.com 
 State of the Art

7 countries 30 projects

[Harrison K. & Meyer-Boake T.: The Tectonics of the

Environmental Skin, University of Waterloo, School of
select by facade select by chart Architecture, (2003)]

BestFacade – State of the Art

Best Practice for Double Skin Facades

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21% 20%
WP6 WP5
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14% 8% 6% 1%
WP1 WP2 WP8 WP7
Facts
torey and corridor type, in Belgium
juxtaposed modules are frequently
used. The façade gaps are mostly
naturally ventilated (except for Bel-
gium, where the indoor air is led by
mechanical ventilation via the gap
to the centralized air handling unit).
The shading is performed mainly with
Ve is performed mainly with Venetian
netian blinds located in the gap. The
cleaning of the outer shell is done via
a cradle or a lifting platform, the gla-
zing of the gap is mainly cleaned from
the gap or from the interior.

 www.bestfacade.com www.bestfacade.com 
 Cutback of non-technological barriers
BestFacade – Non technological Barriers
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
Non technolgical Barriers – Type I
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation on fire and
sound protection, lighting issues etc) are
also applied to double skin facades, since
there are no specific ones for this type of
facades. Legislation on fire protection may
 www.bestfacade.com
be a threat to DSF since the fire transfer
between the rooms and levels has to be
reduced. Additionally sound legislation
can be a threat when considering sound
transfer between adjacent spaces through
the DSF cavity. On the other hand, sound
legislation can also be an opportunity to
DSF as this type of façade provides better
sound insulation than single skin systems.
Legislation on lighting issues could pose a
threat to DSF since the inner layer of gla-
zing in conjunction with the internal blinds
can lower significantly the daylight factors
in the occupied spaces; however a proper
design can result in adequate visual com-
fort; and then the legislation is considered
as an opportunity to the use of DSF.
All countries have legislation on thermal
insulation and achieved U-values; this is
considered from most countries as an op-
portunity for double skin facades since
the U-value is usually lower than for other
glazed façade types. However, maximum
indoor temperatures could pose a threat to
DSF if limits of indoor temperature are to
be observed.
The EPBD implementation could be an
opportunity if the designed DSF is perfor-
ming well (due to the presence of the two
glazed skins), but it could be a threat if the
system is badly designed and cannot meet
the thermal and energy requirements
(for example overheating is observed in
summer).
In the case of ventilation requirements,
these exist in all countries but do not pose
any threat to the application of DSF.
The analysis s
howed that in all countries there are built
examples; the majority of them have been
constructed recently; however there is no
documentation of their energy and envi-
ronmental performance. In terms of the
Maintenance
Routing of air flow
in the facade
level of knowledge concerning the typolo-
gy, performance, design and construction
of DSF, educational /research institutions
and big constructions companies usually
working at an international level have good
knowledge of the DSF systems. On the
other hand, low level of knowledge is noted
in the group of architects, building owners
and investors. In the case of the advan-
tages and disadvantages of the double
skin facades compared to the conventio-
nal systems, it seems that the knowledge
is low in all target groups apart from se-
veral educational/research institutions that
are working in relevant projects.
Climatic conditions do not seem to pose
any obstacle in the application of DSF.
Different systems can be applied in diffe-
rent countries; further design considera-
tions should be applied in extreme clima-
tic conditions i.e. excessive hot periods.
Full transparency do not seem to pose any
General Information
Costs
Attributes of the
double skin facade
Construction of
the facade
threat to the application of DSF, it seems
that architects desire full transparency
while users might not like it.
Although DSF can be applied in all type of
buildings, until now they have been used
mainly for office buildings and not so much
for residential and other type of buildings
because of their increased construction
and capital cost. The occupant control for
ventilation may be a threat to DSF if their
design does not allow user control.
Regarding the reputation of DSF in all
countries, it seems there is skepticism in
the scientific field concerning the energy
efficiency, the indoor air quality and ther-
mal comfort levels that this type of façade
can provide. The reputation is good in the
building industry that tries to promote this
type of façade but there is also concern be-
cause of the high investment cost. Among
the majority of the architects the reputa-
tion is good mainly because of aesthetics
Location
Information
about the
building
General information
on the facade
[Harrison K. & Meyer-Boake T.: The Tectonics of the
Environmental Skin, University of Waterloo, School of
Architecture, (2003)]
reasons. However, there is rather low level
of knowledge on the energy performance
of DSF among all target groups
The analysis also showed the lack of regio-
nal support, support from the government
Facts
torey and corridor type, in Belgium
juxtaposed modules are frequently
used. The façade gaps are mostly
naturally ventilated (except for Bel-
gium, where the indoor air is led by
mechanical ventilation via the gap
to the centralized air handling unit).
The shading is performed mainly with
Ve is performed mainly with Venetian
netian blinds located in the gap. The
cleaning of the outer shell is done via
a cradle or a lifting platform, the gla-
zing of the gap is mainly cleaned from
the gap or from the interior.
www.bestfacade.com 
 Benchmarks and Certification

[Harrison K. & Meyer-Boake T.: The Tectonics of the

Environmental Skin, University of Waterloo, School of
Architecture, (2003)]

BestFacade – Benchmarks / Certification
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades

The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations
applicable to conventional facades (legis-
lation on fire and sound protection, lighting
issues etc) are also applied to double skin
facades, since there are no specific ones
for this type of facades. Legislation on fire
protection may be a threat to DSF since the
fire transfer between the rooms and levels
has to be reduced. Additionally sound le-
gislation can be a threat when considering
sound transfer between adjacent spaces
through the DSF cavity. On the other hand,
sound legislation can also be an oppor-
tunity to DSF as this type of façade pro-
vides better sound insulation than single
skin systems. Legislation on lighting issues
could pose a threat to DSF since the inner
layer of glazing in conjunction with the in-
ternal blinds can lower significantly the
daylight factors in the occupied spaces;
however a proper design can result in ade-
quate visual comfort; and then the legisla-
tion is considered as an opportunity to the
use of DSF.
All countries have legislation on thermal
insulation and achieved U-values; this is
considered from most countries as an op-
portunity for double skin facades since
the U-value is usually lower than for other
glazed façade types. However, maximum
indoor temperatures could pose a threat to
DSF if limits of indoor temperature are to
be observed.
The EPBD implementation could be an
opportunity if the designed DSF is perfor-
ming well (due to the presence of the two
glazed skins), but it could be a threat if the
system is badly designed and cannot meet
the thermal and energy requirements
(for example overheating is observed in
summer).
In the case of ventilation requirements,
these exist in all countries but do not pose
any threat to the application of DSF.
The analysis showed that in all countries
there are built examples; the majority of
them have been constructed recently;
however there is no documentation of their
energy and environmental performance.
In terms of the level of knowledge concer-
ning the typology, performance, design
and construction of DSF, educational /re-
search institutions and big constructions
companies usually working at an internati-
onal level have good knowledge of the DSF
systems. On the other hand, low level of
knowledge is noted in the group of archi-
tects, building owners and investors. In the
case of the advantages and disadvantages
of the double skin facades compared to
the conventional systems, it seems that
the knowledge is low in all target groups
apart from several educational/research
institutions that are working in relevant
projects.
Climatic conditions
do not seem to pose any obstacle in the
application of DSF. Different systems can
be applied in different countries; further
design considerations should be applied
in extreme climatic conditions i.e. exces-
sive hot periods. Full transparency do not
seem to pose any threat to the application
of DSF, it seems that architects desire full
transparency while users might not like it.
Although DSF can be applied in all type of
buildings, until now they have been used
mainly for office buildings and not so much
for residential and other type of buildings
because of their increased construction
and capital cost. The occupant control for
ventilation may be a threat to DSF if their
design does not allow user control.
Regarding the reputation of DSF in all
countries, it seems there is skepticism in
the scientific field concerning the energy
Facts
torey and corridor type, in Belgium
juxtaposed modules are frequently
used. The façade gaps are mostly
naturally ventilated (except for Bel-
gium, where the indoor air is led by
mechanical ventilation via the gap
to the centralized air handling unit).
The shading is performed mainly with
Ve is performed mainly with Venetian
netian blinds located in the gap. The
cleaning of the outer shell is done via
a cradle or a lifting platform, the gla-
zing of the gap is mainly cleaned from

 www.bestfacade.com www.bestfacade.com 
 Simple Calculation method
“Essentially a pair of glass “skins” separated by an
air corridor. The main layer of glass is usually insula-
ting. The air space between the layers of glass acts
as insulation against temperature extremes, winds,
and sound.
[Harrison K. & Meyer-Boake T.: The Tectonics of the
Environmental Skin, University of Waterloo, School of
Architecture, (2003)]
BestFacade – Calculation Method
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations a
pplicable to conventional facades (legisla-
tion on fire and sound protection, lighting
issues etc) are also applied to double skin
facades, since there are no specific ones
for this type of facades. Legislation on fire
protection may be a threat to DSF since the
10 www.bestfacade.com
fire transfer between the rooms and levels
has to be reduced. Additionally sound le-
gislation can be a threat when considering
sound transfer between adjacent spaces
through the DSF cavity. On the other hand,
sound legislation can also be an oppor-
tunity to DSF as this type of façade pro-
vides better sound insulation than single
skin systems. Legislation on lighting issues
could pose a threat to DSF since the inner
layer of glazing in conjunction with the in-
ternal blinds can lower significantly the
daylight factors in the occupied spaces;
however a proper design can result in ade-
quate visual comfort; and then the legisla-
tion is considered as an opportunity to the
use of DSF.
All countries have legislation on thermal
insulation and achieved U-values; this is
considered from most countries as an op-
portunity for double skin facades since
the U-value is usually lower than for other
glazed façade types. However, maximum
indoor temperatures could pose a threat to
DSF if limits of indoor temperature are to
be observed.
The EPBD implementation could be an op-
portunity if the designed DSF is performing
well (due to the presence of the two glazed
skins), but it could be a threat if the system
is badly designed and cannot meet the
thermal and energy requirements (for exa-
mple overheating is observed in summer).
In the case of ventilation requirements,
these exist in all countries but do not pose
any threat to the application of DSF.
The analysis showed that
in all countries there are built examp-
les; the majority of them have been cons-
tructed recently; however there is no do-
cumentation of their energy and environ-
mental performance. In terms of the level
of knowledge concerning the typology,
performance, design and construction of
DSF, educational /research institutions
and big constructions companies usual-
ly working at an international level have
good knowledge of the DSF systems. On
the other hand, low level of knowledge
is noted in the group of architects, buil-
ding owners and investors. In the case of
the advantages and disadvantages of the
double skin facades compared to the con-
ventional systems, it seems that the know-
ledge is low in all target groups apart from
several educational/research institutions
that are working in relevant projects. Cli-
matic conditions do not seem to pose any
obstacle in the application of DSF. Diffe-
rent systems can be applied in different
countries; further design considerations
should be applied in extreme climatic con-
ditions i.e. excessive hot periods.
Full transparency do not seem to pose any
threat to the application of DSF, it seems
that architects desire full transparency
while users might not like it.
Although DSF can
be applied in all type of buildings, until ow
they have been used mainly for office buil-
dings and not so much for residential and
other type of buildings because of their in-
creased construction and capital cost. The
occupant control for ventilation may be a
threat to DSF if their design does not allow
user control. Regarding the reputation of
DSF in all countries, it seems there is skep-
ticism in the scientific field concerning the
energy efficiency, the indoor air quality
and thermal comfort levels that this type of
Facts
torey and corridor type, in Belgium
juxtaposed modules are frequently
used. The façade gaps are mostly
naturally ventilated (except for Bel-
gium, where the indoor air is led by
mechanical ventilation via the gap
to the centralized air handling unit).
The shading is performed mainly with
Ve is performed mainly with Venetian
netian blinds located in the gap. The
cleaning of the outer shell is done via
a cradle or a lifting platform, the gla-
www.bestfacade.com 11
 Energy Design Guide
Summer mode
Comparison of the measured daily mean values of air temperatures in the
GDF gap versus the outside. (May 2005 to March 2006)
BestFacade – Energy Design Guide
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations
applicable to conventional facades (le-
gislation on fire and sound protection,
lighting issues etc) are also applied to
double skin facades, since there are no
specific ones for this type of facades. Le-
gislation on fire protection may be a threat
12 www.bestfacade.com
Winter mode
to DSF since the fire transfer between the
rooms and levels has to be reduced. Ad-
ditionally sound legislation can be a threat
when considering sound transfer between
adjacent spaces through the DSF cavity.
On the other hand, sound legislation can
also be an opportunity to DSF as this type
of façade provides better sound insulati-
on than single skin systems. Legislation on
lighting issues could pose a threat to DSF
since the inner layer of glazing in conjunc-
tion with the internal blinds can lower sig-
nificantly the daylight factors in the occu-
pied spaces; however a proper design can
result in adequate visual comfort; and then
the legislation is considered as an opportu-
nity to the use of DSF.
All countries have legislation on thermal
insulation and achieved U-values; this is
considered from most countries as an op-
portunity for double skin facades since
the U-value is usually lower than for other
Außenluft
GDF
glazed façade types. However, maximum
indoor temperatures could pose a threat to
DSF if limits of indoor temperature are to
be observed.
The EPBD implementation could be an
opportunity if the designed DSF is perfor-
ming well (due to the presence of the two
glazed skins), but it could be a threat if the
system is badly designed and cannot meet
the thermal and energy requirements
(for example overheating is observed in
summer).
In the case of ventilation requirements,
these exist in all countries but do not pose
any threat to the application of DSF.
The analysis showed
that in all countries there are built examp-
les; the majority of them have been cons-
tructed recently; however there is no do-
cumentation of their energy and environ-
mental performance. In terms of the level
of knowledge concerning the typology, per-
formance, design and construction of DSF,
educational /research institutions and big
constructions companies usually working
at an international level have good know-
ledge of the DSF systems. On the other
hand, low level of knowledge is noted in
the group of architects, building owners
and investors. In the case of the advan-
tages and disadvantages of the double
skin facades compared to the conventio-
nal systems, it seems that the knowledge
is low in all target groups apart from se-
veral educational/research institutions that
are working in relevant projects.
Climatic conditions
do not seem to pose any obstacle in the
application of DSF. Different systems can
be applied in different countries; further
design considerations should be applied
in extreme climatic conditions i.e. exces-
sive hot periods. Full transparency do not
seem to pose any threat to the application
of DSF, it seems that architects desire full
transparency while users might not like it.
Although DSF can be applied in all type of
buildings, until now they have been used
mainly for office buildings and not so much
for residential and other type of buildings
because of their increased construction
and capital cost. The occupant control for
ventilation may be a threat to DSF if their
design does not allow user control.
Regarding the reputation of DSF in all
countries, it seems there is skepticism in
the scientific field concerning the energy
efficiency, the indoor air quality and ther-
mal comfort levels that this type of façade
can provide. The reputation is good in the
building industry that tries to promote this
type of façade but there is also concern be-
cause of the high investment cost. Among
the majority of the architects the reputa-
[Harrison K. & Meyer-Boake T.: The Tectonics of the
Environmental Skin, University of Waterloo, School of
Architecture, (2003)]
tion is good mainly because of aesthetics
reasons. However, there is rather low level
of knowledge on the energy performance
of DSF among all target groups
The analysis also showed the lack of regio-
nal support, support from the government
Facts
torey and corridor type, in Belgium
juxtaposed modules are frequently
used. The façade gaps are mostly
naturally ventilated (except for Bel-
gium, where the indoor air is led by
mechanical ventilation via the gap
to the centralized air handling unit).
The shading is performed mainly with
Ve is performed mainly with Venetian
netian blinds located in the gap. The
cleaning of the outer shell is done via
a cradle or a lifting platform, the gla-
zing of the gap is mainly cleaned from
www.bestfacade.com 13
 Best Practise Guidelines
ΦU ( abs ,u abs , p
BestFacade – Best Practice Guidelines
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations
applicable to conventional facades (le-
gislation on fire and sound protection,
lighting issues etc) are also applied to
double skin facades, since there are no
specific ones for this type of facades. Le-
gislation on fire protection may be a threat
14 www.bestfacade.com
qe , w qi ,e )⋅ s Ce
to DSF since the fire transfer between the
rooms and levels has to be reduced. Ad-
ditionally sound legislation can be a threat
when considering sound transfer between
adjacent spaces through the DSF cavity.
On the other hand, sound legislation can
also be an opportunity to DSF as this type
of façade provides better sound insulati-
on than single skin systems. Legislation on
lighting issues could pose a threat to DSF
since the inner layer of glazing in conjunc-
tion with the internal blinds can lower sig-
nificantly the daylight factors in the occu-
pied spaces; however a proper design can
result in adequate visual comfort; and then
the legislation is considered as an opportu-
nity to the use of DSF.
All countries have legislation on thermal
insulation and achieved U-values; this is
considered from most countries as an op-
portunity for double skin facades since
the U-value is usually lower than for other
Fe abs u ee j j s
[Harrison K. & Meyer-Boake T.: The Tectonics of the
Environmental Skin, University of Waterloo, School of
Architecture, (2003)]
glazed façade types. However, maximum
indoor temperatures could pose a threat
to DSF if limits of indoor temperature are
to be observed.The EPBD implementati-
on could be an opportunity if the designed
DSF is performing well (due to the pres-
ence of the two glazed skins), but it could
be a threat if the system is badly designed
and cannot meet the thermal and energy
requirements (for example overheating is
observed in summer).
In the case of ventilation requirements,
these exist in all countries but do not pose
any threat to the application of DSF.
The analysis showed gy, performance, design and construction ding owners and investors. In the case of matic conditions do not seem to pose any
that in all countries there are built exa- of DSF, educational /research institutions the advantages and disadvantages of the obstacle in the application of DSF. Different
mples; the majority of them have been and big constructions companies usual- double skin facades compared to the con- systems can be applied in different coun-
constructed recently; however there is no ly working at an international level have ventional systems, it seems that the know- tries; further design considerations should
documentation of their energy and envi- good knowledge of the DSF systems. On ledge is low in all target groups apart from be applied in extreme climatic conditions
ronmental performance. In terms of the the other hand, low level of knowledge several educational/research institutions i.e. excessive hot periods. Full transparen-
level of knowledge concerning the typolo- is noted in the group of architects, buil- that are working in relevant projects. Cli- cy do not seem to pose any threat to the
www.bestfacade.com 15
 Best Practise Guidelines
North Europe
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one EN 13830 standards. This
European Standard specifies characteris-
tics of curtain walling and provides tech-
nical information on th E EN 13830 stan-
dards. This European Standard specifies
characteristics of curtain walling and pro-
vides technical information on the varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation N 13830
standards. This European Standard speci-
BestFacade – Best Practice Guidelines
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation on fire and
sound protection, lighting issues etc) are
also applied to double skin facades, since
there are no specific ones for this type of
facades. Legislation on fire protection may
be a threat to DSF since the fire transfer
between the rooms and levels has to be
16 www.bestfacade.com
fies characteristics of curtain walling and
provides technical information on the va-
rying performance requirements. Also, the
document provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation e varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation there is no
awareness of the EN 13830 standards.
reduced. Additionally sound legislation
can be a threat when considering sound
transfer between adjacent spaces through
the DSF cavity. On the other hand, sound
legislation can also be an opportunity to
DSF as this type of façade provides better
sound insulation than single skin systems.
Legislation on lighting issues could pose a
threat to DSF since the inner layer of gla-
zing in conjunction with the internal blinds
can lower significantly the daylight factors
in the occupied spaces; however a proper
design can result in adequate visual com-
fort; and then the legislation is considered
as an opportunity to the use of DSF.
All countries have legislation on thermal
insulation and achieved U-values; this is
Middle Europe
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one EN 13830 standards. This
European Standard specifies characteris-
tics of curtain walling and provides tech-
nical information on th E EN 13830 stan-
dards. This European Standard specifies
characteristics of curtain walling and pro-
vides technical information on the varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation N 13830
standards. This European Standard speci-
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation on fire and
sound protection, lighting issues etc) are
also applied to double skin facades, since
there are no specific ones for this type of
facades. Legislation on fire protection may
be a threat to DSF since the fire transfer
fies characteristics of curtain walling and
provides technical information on the va-
rying performance requirements. Also, the
document provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation e varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation there is no
between the rooms and levels has to be
reduced. Additionally sound legislation
can be a threat when considering sound
transfer between adjacent spaces through
the DSF cavity. On the other hand, sound
legislation can also be an opportunity to
DSF as this type of façade provides better
sound insulation than single skin systems.
Legislation on lighting issues could pose a
threat to DSF since the inner layer of gla-
zing in conjunction with the internal blinds
South Europe
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one EN 13830 standards. This
European Standard specifies characteris-
tics of curtain walling and provides tech-
nical information on th E EN 13830 stan-
dards. This European Standard specifies
characteristics of curtain walling and pro-
vides technical information on the varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation N 13830
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation on fire and
sound protection, lighting issues etc) are
also applied to double skin facades, since
there are no specific ones for this type of
facades. Legislation on fire protection may
be a threat to DSF since the fire transfer
standards. This European Standard speci-
fies characteristics of curtain walling and
provides technical information on the va-
rying performance requirements. Also, the
document provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation e varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation there is no
between the rooms and levels has to be
reduced. Additionally sound legislation
can be a threat when considering sound
transfer between adjacent spaces through
the DSF cavity. On the other hand, sound
legislation can also be an opportunity to
DSF as this type of façade provides better
sound insulation than single skin systems.
Legislation on lighting issues could pose a
threat to DSF since the inner layer of gla-
zing in conjunction with the internal blinds
can lower significantly the daylight factors
in the occupied spaces; however a proper
design can result in adequate visual com-
fort; and then the legislation is considered
as an opportunity to the use of DSF.
www.bestfacade.com 17
 Best Practise Guidelines
North Europe
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one EN 13830 standards. This
European Standard specifies characteris-
tics of curtain walling and provides tech-
nical information on th E EN 13830 stan-
dards. This European Standard specifies
characteristics of curtain walling and pro-
vides technical information on the varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation N 13830
standards. This European Standard speci-
BestFacade – Best Practice Guidelines
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation on fire and
sound protection, lighting issues etc) are
also applied to double skin facades, since
there are no specific ones for this type of
facades. Legislation on fire protection may
be a threat to DSF since the fire transfer
between the rooms and levels has to be
18 www.bestfacade.com
fies characteristics of curtain walling and
provides technical information on the va-
rying performance requirements. Also, the
document provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation e varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation there is no
awareness of the EN 13830 standards.
reduced. Additionally sound legislation
can be a threat when considering sound
transfer between adjacent spaces through
the DSF cavity. On the other hand, sound
legislation can also be an opportunity to
DSF as this type of façade provides better
sound insulation than single skin systems.
Legislation on lighting issues could pose a
threat to DSF since the inner layer of gla-
zing in conjunction with the internal blinds
can lower significantly the daylight factors
in the occupied spaces; however a proper
design can result in adequate visual com-
fort; and then the legislation is considered
as an opportunity to the use of DSF.
All countries have legislation on thermal
insulation and achieved U-values; this is
Middle Europe
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one EN 13830 standards. This
European Standard specifies characteris-
tics of curtain walling and provides tech-
nical information on th E EN 13830 stan-
dards. This European Standard specifies
characteristics of curtain walling and pro-
vides technical information on the varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation N 13830
standards. This European Standard speci-
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation on fire and
sound protection, lighting issues etc) are
also applied to double skin facades, since
there are no specific ones for this type of
facades. Legislation on fire protection may
be a threat to DSF since the fire transfer
fies characteristics of curtain walling and
provides technical information on the va-
rying performance requirements. Also, the
document provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation e varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation there is no
between the rooms and levels has to be
reduced. Additionally sound legislation
can be a threat when considering sound
transfer between adjacent spaces through
the DSF cavity. On the other hand, sound
legislation can also be an opportunity to
DSF as this type of façade provides better
sound insulation than single skin systems.
Legislation on lighting issues could pose a
threat to DSF since the inner layer of gla-
zing in conjunction with the internal blinds
South Europe
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one EN 13830 standards. This
European Standard specifies characteris-
tics of curtain walling and provides tech-
nical information on th E EN 13830 stan-
dards. This European Standard specifies
characteristics of curtain walling and pro-
vides technical information on the varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation N 13830
The analysis on the non-technological bar-
riers to DSF regarding the legislation issues
shows that in the participating countries
apart from one there is no awareness of
the EN 13830 standards. This European
Standard specifies characteristics of cur-
tain walling and provides technical infor-
mation on the varying performance re-
quirements. Also, the document provides
guidance to the curtain wall manufacturer
on how to meet the requirements of the
European Construction Products Directive
(CPD). The CE marking is in force from
2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation on fire and
sound protection, lighting issues etc) are
also applied to double skin facades, since
there are no specific ones for this type of
facades. Legislation on fire protection may
be a threat to DSF since the fire transfer
standards. This European Standard speci-
fies characteristics of curtain walling and
provides technical information on the va-
rying performance requirements. Also, the
document provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation e varying
performance requirements. Also, the do-
cument provides guidance to the curtain
wall manufacturer on how to meet the re-
quirements of the European Construction
Products Directive (CPD). The CE marking
is in force from 2005.
All existing legislations applicable to con-
ventional facades (legislation there is no
between the rooms and levels has to be
reduced. Additionally sound legislation
can be a threat when considering sound
transfer between adjacent spaces through
the DSF cavity. On the other hand, sound
legislation can also be an opportunity to
DSF as this type of façade provides better
sound insulation than single skin systems.
Legislation on lighting issues could pose a
threat to DSF since the inner layer of gla-
zing in conjunction with the internal blinds
can lower significantly the daylight factors
in the occupied spaces; however a proper
design can result in adequate visual com-
fort; and then the legislation is considered
as an opportunity to the use of DSF.
www.bestfacade.com 19
BestFacade Members
Best Practice for Double Skin Facades

MCE Anlagenbau Austria Graz University of Fraunhofer Gesellschaft – National and Kapodistrian C.Kiossefidis S.A. Instituto de Soldadura
Technology – Institute of Institute for Building Physics University of Athens e Qualidade
Thermal Engineering

ENTPE-Laboratoire Sciences Lund University Belgian Building Research Reynaers Aluminium NV WSP Sverige AB Skanska Teknik AB
de l‘Habitat-CNRS-DGCB Institute

The sole responsibility for the content of this poster lies with the authors. It does not represent
the opinion of the Community. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that