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Dec 64 min read

One Angel Square: An Exploration of Passive Facades and Potential Innovations


One Angel Square: An Exploration of Passive Facades and Potential Innovations


One Angel Square in Manchester, UK, stands as a landmark in sustainable design and modular construction. As the headquarters of The Co-operative Group, this building’s double-skin facade exemplifies how passive systems can achieve remarkable energy efficiency and occupant comfort. However, in the context of evolving architectural and engineering innovations, it is worth exploring whether the current facade design can be further enhanced—potentially incorporating more dynamic or kinetic features. This analysis delves into the operational principles of the existing facade, examines potential improvements, and weighs the pros and cons of each design approach.


How the Current Double-Skin Facade Works


The facade at One Angel Square is a double-skin facade, composed of two layers of high-performance glazing separated by an air cavity. This design relies on passive environmental responsiveness to regulate thermal performance, ventilation, and solar shading. Below is a breakdown of its operation:

 

  1. Thermal Regulation:

    • The air cavity between the inner and outer glazing acts as a buffer, reducing heat transfer between the exterior environment and the building’s interior.

    • In winter, the cavity retains heat, minimizing energy loss. During summer, it reduces solar heat gain, maintaining cooler indoor temperatures.


  2. Natural Ventilation:

    • The cavity facilitates natural airflow, allowing for the dissipation of heat build-up. This enhances occupant comfort and reduces reliance on mechanical ventilation systems.

    • The facade supports the movement of up to 50,000 liters of air per second, creating an efficient and sustainable ventilation system.


  3. Solar Shading:

    • Integrated fixed louvers within the cavity diffuse sunlight, preventing glare while allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces.

    • The static shading elements are precisely angled to optimize daylighting and minimize solar gain.


  4. Energy Efficiency:

    • This passive design significantly reduces heating, cooling, and lighting demands, contributing to One Angel Square’s BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating—a benchmark for sustainability in commercial architecture.


  5. Modular Construction:

    • The facade's prefabricated panels were manufactured off-site, ensuring precision, reducing waste, and enabling rapid installation. Each module is designed for adaptability, allowing easy replacement or upgrading over time.


How the Facade Could Be Improved


While the double-skin facade is highly effective, introducing kinetic elements could further enhance its performance and responsiveness. A kinetic facade uses movable components that adapt dynamically to changing environmental conditions. Here’s how this approach could work:

 

1. Dynamic Shading Devices

  • Replace static louvers with motorized shading panels or kinetic brise soleil.

  • These panels could adjust in real-time to the sun’s angle and intensity, optimizing solar shading and daylighting throughout the day.


2. Adaptive Ventilation

  • Incorporate operable vents within the facade that respond to indoor and outdoor air quality, temperature, and wind conditions.

  • This could enhance airflow efficiency, especially during peak temperature variations, reducing reliance on HVAC systems.


3. Smart Integration with Building Systems

  • Equip the kinetic facade with photocell sensors and AI-driven control systems to monitor and adjust shading and ventilation autonomously.

  • Integrating these systems with the building’s energy management systems could provide granular control, further optimizing energy usage.


Comparing the Double-Skin and Kinetic Facades


Double-Skin Facade: Pros and Cons


Pros:

 

  1. Simplicity:

    • Passive systems require no mechanical components, making them inherently more reliable and low-maintenance.


  2. Cost-Effectiveness:

    • Lower installation and operational costs compared to kinetic systems.


  3. Sustainability:

    • The modular design reduces construction waste, and the passive approach aligns with green building principles.

 

Cons:

 

  1. Limited Responsiveness:

    • Fixed elements cannot adapt to real-time environmental changes, potentially missing opportunities for optimization.


  2. Regional Suitability:

    • While effective in temperate climates like Manchester, the facade may not perform as well in regions with extreme or inconsistent climates.


Kinetic Facade: Pros and Cons


Pros:


  1. Enhanced Performance:

    • Movable components can dynamically adjust to environmental conditions, maximizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.


  2. Aesthetic Appeal:

    • The movement of kinetic elements creates a visually striking facade that evolves throughout the day.


  3. Adaptability:

    • A kinetic system can respond to changing performance requirements or technological advancements.

Cons:

 

  1. Complexity and Maintenance:

    • Moving parts and electronic systems require regular maintenance, increasing lifecycle costs.


  2. Higher Installation Costs:

    • Kinetic systems demand advanced engineering and construction expertise, raising initial costs.


  3. Energy Dependency:

    • While offering performance benefits, kinetic systems rely on external energy inputs, which may slightly offset their energy savings.


Why One Angel Square Opted for a Passive Façade


The decision to employ a double-skin facade at One Angel Square aligns with several project-specific factors:


  1. Cost and Context:

    • The passive system balances performance and cost-effectiveness, a critical consideration for a commercial headquarters.


  2. Regional Climate:

    • Manchester’s temperate climate supports the effectiveness of a static shading and ventilation system.


  3. Simplicity and Longevity:

    • The passive design reduces maintenance requirements, ensuring reliable performance over the building’s lifespan.


Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and Practicality


One Angel Square’s double-skin facade is a testament to the power of modular construction and passive design principles. While the addition of kinetic features could enhance responsiveness and aesthetic appeal, the current design’s simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability make it a highly effective solution.


For AEC professionals, the question of whether to opt for a passive or kinetic facade ultimately depends on project goals, budget, and environmental context. As kinetic systems become more cost-competitive and reliable, they may offer an increasingly viable option for projects seeking cutting-edge performance and design.


One Angel Square reminds us that the future of architecture lies not in choosing one approach over another but in carefully balancing innovation, practicality, and sustainability.


Fun Fact: One Angel Square in Manchester, UK, is renowned for its sustainable design, notably its double-skin façade. This façade features a cavity between the inner and outer glass layers, enhancing energy efficiency by providing insulation and facilitating natural ventilation.


The building's design includes louvres at the top of the façade that can open during summer to expel warm air, reducing cooling demands. In winter, these louvres close to retain heat, minimizing heating requirements.


Regarding maintenance costs, specific annual figures for One Angel Square's façade are not publicly disclosed. However, the choice of a bronze anodized finish over powder coating, despite an additional $150,000 upfront cost, was justified by lower long-term maintenance expenses.


Let us know in the comments below! 👇


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