Maximizing the performance of an energy generating façade in terms of energy saving strategies

•We developed a tool to optimize the building façade for energy saving and energy generation.•The correlation between thermal and visual comforts is considered.•A thermal simulation tool and a method for estimating daylight quotient are embedded.•The results show a significant increase in the energy balance of the simulated building model.•The presented tool can be utilized by architects in the conceptual stage.

In the context of façade planning, it is essential to integrate energy saving with energy generation given that there are significant correlations between these two factors at many levels. In this study, we present a method for determining the optimum façade criteria that can considerably enhance building performance. This method can be implemented by architects in the early planning phase of a project via the use of a solar energy optimization tool. In this research study, we address basic issues of energy balance, user comfort and the impact of the chosen criteria on the formal quality of the building. Single and multi-criteria optimizations are carried out using sensitivity analysis, and the potential of this approach is demonstrated using a multistory office building as a case study. The generated optima can then be used to decide how different architectural configurations can affect façade performance.