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Comsol > Case Studies > Optimizing the Performance of Complex Building Façades
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Optimizing the Performance of Complex Building Façades

Technology Category
  • Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
  • Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
  • Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
Applicable Industries
  • Construction & Infrastructure
Applicable Functions
  • Product Research & Development
  • Quality Assurance
Use Cases
  • Building Energy Management
  • Building Automation & Control
  • Predictive Maintenance
Services
  • Software Design & Engineering Services
  • System Integration
  • Training
The Challenge
Dynamic, textural, and symbolic; whether they ambitiously defy gravity or grow organically from the landscape, iconic buildings frequently involve complex façades. Designed not only to protect, they also regulate variables such as thermal and visual comfort. From solar studies that allow optimization of the shading design in order to reduce cooling loads and maximize visual comfort, to the way in which fixing brackets for rainscreen cladding affect the integrity of the insulation, there are numerous challenges that can be resolved with the help of simulation.
About The Customer
Newtecnic is a specialist in designing and analyzing façade systems for high-profile public projects. They regularly collaborate with Zaha Hadid Architects, known for their bold architectural forms. Newtecnic’s founders, Andrew Watts and Yasmin Watts, have worked on prominent projects like Federation Square in Melbourne and the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku. The company focuses on ensuring that innovative building façades are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. They use advanced simulation tools to address the complex challenges involved in façade design, ensuring that each project retains its creative vision while meeting structural and environmental requirements.
The Solution
The COMSOL Multiphysics software has become a key tool for Newtecnic. It allows them to study the 3D thermal bridging effect, evaluate the maximum temperature of components, and suggest suitable products or materials. They can also evaluate cladding pressures and study complex façades with both mechanical and natural ventilation. Using the CAD import functionality in COMSOL, they import complex geometries from Autodesk AutoCAD and Rhinoceros software. The use of Autodesk Revit is increasing, and the new LiveLink for Revit addon allows them to interface their simulations with the Revit environment. They also use parametric design tools like Grasshopper to build and analyze complex geometries using generative algorithms.
Operational Impact
  • Simulation allows Newtecnic to validate design updates and demonstrate the effects of changes on energy efficiency, structural performance, and component lifecycle.
  • Simulation enables Newtecnic to think in terms of multifunctional components and the building as a whole, moving away from traditional building philosophies.
  • Simulation results are fully integrated with drawings, making budget estimates clear and comprehensive.
Quantitative Benefit
  • The use of COMSOL Multiphysics software allows for the evaluation of the global heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of the façade.
  • Simulation helps in optimizing shading design to reduce cooling loads, enhancing energy efficiency.

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