Dynamic façade
A dynamic façade, also known as a responsive façade, is a building exterior that can change in response to its surrounding environment to maximise its performance. This can help control the interior environment within the building, and so minimise the energy consumption of building services systems. In this way, the 'skin' of the building is not static, but dynamic and can transform according to requirements.
The responsiveness of the façade can be at the macro scale, which involves changes in its configuration using moving parts, or at the micro scale which involves changes affecting a material’s structure.
Macro responsiveness might include adjustable ventilation or moveable solar shading, used to optimise the amount of solar heat gain and visible light that is admitted into a building, or daylight lighting systems which can help to maximise natural daylight.
Micro responsiveness might include smart glazing or phase change materials.
Some dynamic facades also include methods for generating energy, such as solar photovoltaic panels.
Dynamic systems can reduce a building’s reliance on heating, cooling and ventilation systems as well as artificial lighting and energy requirements.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Digital technology, transformation and cybersecurity
Supporting SMEs through Digitalisation in Construction.
Villa Wolf in Gubin, history and reconstruction. Book review.
Construction contract awards down one billion pounds
Decline over the past two months compared to the same period last year, follows the positive start to the year.
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.
The pace of heating change; BSRIA market intelligence
Electric Dreams, Boiler Realities.
New President of ECA announced
Ruth Devine MBE becomes the 112th President of the Electrical Contractors Association.