Microclimate on building envelopes: Testing geometry manipulations as an approach for increasing building envelopes’ thermal performance

The paper presents a theoretical framework for employing complex geometry on the building’s envelope for increasing thermal performance. It argues that by manipulating the geometry of the façade’s exterior surface, it is possible to achieve a microclimate that will act as a thermal barrier. The argument is tested via computational fluid dynamic simulations that examined the relationship between various airflows and geometry in different sections of the building envelope. It presents the air velocity and thickness of the outer boundary layer that is created on the suggested geometries. The paper concludes with an analysis of the results and a discussion on the potential of each section to create the best-performing microclimate.