ABSTRACT
This paper presents the design and development of an experimental double-skin envelope of a house for the Solar Decathlon China 2021 Competition. The double-skin system is composed of the primary structural wall, an engineered bamboo construction that incorporates straw-clay insulation, and an outer ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) membrane skin separated by an air space. It is designed as an adaptive building envelope that performs as a buffer space for fresh air circulation, passive heating, natural ventilation for cooling, solar energy harvesting, and integrates plants on the walls and roof. We discuss the complexities involved in developing this novel membrane based double-skin system and focus on how the team reduced complexity to achieve higher performance within feasible budget and construction constraints. Integration of energy modeling, detailing studies to understand the implications of an air inflated cushion double membrane system, and cost/constructability were key areas during the design process.
