Double-skin facade

A facade with two envelope layers and a usable air cavity between them.

An outer glass layer and inner glazing or wall enclose a ventilated cavity. Seasonal operation can retain warm air or exhaust heat.

Noise, condensation, cleaning, fire separation, and cost are major concerns. The cavity, controls, and maintenance strategy make the system more than doubled glass.

Many European offices and environmental towers use double skins as an advanced form of curtain wall.