Alexandria Engineering Journal (2019) 58, 1063–1075

H O S T E D BY
Alexandria University

Alexandria Engineering Journal

www.elsevier.com/locate/aej
www.sciencedirect.com

Impact of glass facades on internal environment of

buildings in hot arid zone
Mohamed Ahmed Alaa El Din Ahmed Sayed a, Mohamed Anwar Fikry b

a
Architectural Engineering, Egypt
b
Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt

Received 19 August 2019; revised 5 September 2019; accepted 24 September 2019

Available online 2 November 2019

KEYWORDS Abstract This research focuses on the problem of the design of contemporary glass buildings and
Glass facades; facades in a hot dry area such as Egypt, that is based on the ‘‘western” concept of the glass facade
Internal environment; design, without any attention to design according to the climate, or the use of glass in how, type and
Hot arid zone color to show the architectural identity and character of the country.
The result is that the energy needed to cool the internal environment of these buildings is very
high, leading to pressure on the total energy resources and the appearance of glass blocks that
do not respect the architectural identity of the country.
The importance of this study is to make designers and users aware of the application of appro-
priate glass types to ensure the comfort of users within buildings. Furthermore, it studies the effect
of the glass facades on the visual and thermal comfort of users, and proposes a suitable process
methodology for selecting the appropriate type of glass or color as well as effective shading systems
which respond to the solar radiation of that region. It also emphasizes on the glass design methods
that express architectural identity and culture of the country.
Ó 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria
University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

1. Introduction erties of glass and its impact on the internal environment of

buildings, which acts as a buffer against extreme temperatures,
The construction industry in the arid zones is one of the main wind and noise, unlike the use of glass in the hot dry zone with-
investment sectors, especially after the trend towards building out reference to a scientific study of each of the properties of
new cities in these areas. Such as the new administrative capital glass used, type, color, thickness and impact on the internal
in Egypt, which flourishes with glass facades in many office environment of the building.
buildings, residential towers, hotels, and others. This paper aims to study the types of glass to ensure the
The concept of the use of glass facades which separates sustainability of the buildings and taking into account its use
internal and external buildings environments, in European in an appropriate matter expressing the architectural identity
countries relates to the scientific reference to the physical prop- of the country and appropriate glass types for use in hot arid
zone. Also, it aims at achieving the minimum level of natural
lighting without affecting thermal comfort inside spaces.
Peer review under responsibility of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria
University.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2019.09.009
1110-0168 Ó 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
1064
Methodologies used include literature review to collect data
concerning different aspects of glass types and glass facades,
experimental methodology concerning simulation of different
design strategies for the case study and finally, comparative
analysis of simulation outcome to assign the optimum design
strategy.
2. Glass facade
Glass Facade is an important element in buildings and the
main function of it is to protect and distinct the internal from
the external environment conditions, so energy-efficient build-
ing designers have started to develop their researches based on
this matter. Today, energy usage in buildings have become an
important factor due to the limited energy sources, hence,
building construction materials such as glass and techniques
should be considered accordingly in the design period [19].
2.1. Glass facade performance
There are four main Principles of glass façade performance as
shown in Fig. 2.1. A glass facade for building envelope sepa-
rates the interior environment from the exterior one. Differ-
ences in the two environments generate environmental loads.
The most important of these environmental loads can be cate-
gorized as: temperature, moisture, and air pressure. Tempera-
ture load is generated by both exterior temperature factors
[i.e., exterior air temperature, solar radiation, and wind], and
interior temperature factors [i.e., occupant activities, ventila-
tion, and heating equipment] [3].
a) Wind:
Most Glass facade designs are based on average long-term
wind pressure data; however, to justify short-duration random
wind gusts, gust factor can also be employed. Gust factor is the
ratio of maximum wind pressure to mean wind pressure, and is
most often used to estimate the accidental moisture gains due
to windblown rain [3].
b) Visual comfort:
Visual comfort is a condition where human eyes receive a
suitable amount of light without making an effort to visualize
some tasks, which strongly relate to the illumination levels
inside the space either artificial or natural light sources [5].
Main parameters of visual comfort: The visual environment
must allow people to see objects clairty, without strain, in
pleasantly toned surroundings. The parameters of visual com-
fort for which architects play a dominant role are: the level of
illumination of visual tasks, the harmonious distribution of
light within a space, the ratios of illuminance within a building,
the absence of unwanted shadows, an exterior view, good color
Glass Facade Performance
a) Wind b) Visual Comfort
Fig. 2.1 The Fundamental Principles of Glass Facade Performance. Source: [3] (modified by the researcher).
Mohamed Ahmed Alaa El Din Ahmed Sayed, M.A. Fikry
interpretation, pleasant tones of light, and the absence of glare
[5].
Visual discomfort/glare: Glare is visual noise that interferes
with visual performance. Two main types of glare exist, direct
and indirect (reflected), and each can have very detrimental
effects on the ability to see [17]. Direct glare is caused by a light
source in the field of the view that is sufficiently bright to cause
annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance. Reflec-
tion of light sources on the glossy surface usually cause indirect
glare [5].
Visual comfort Vs human performance: Lighting quality is
one of the determinants of human performance in the indoor
environment. Various studies have been conducted to compare
the effects of different lighting conditions on health, productiv-
ity, and well-being and alertness level. With regards to human
perception, correlated color temperature (CCT) and illumi-
nance level are the two most important characteristics of light
to be considered [5].
c) Thermal comfort
A suitable thermal comfort, in general, can be achieved by
the temperature being between 24 °C and 26 °C. Body facade
temperature, while in a sedentary activity, is 33 °C–34 °C
and less; whereas internal temperatures increase with activity.
A temperature of more than 45 °C can cause irreversible brain
damage and less than 18 °C can also lead to serious cardiac
arrhythmia and death. Therefore, careful controlling of body
temperature is crucial for comfort and health [6].
2.2. Thermal comfort problems in hot climates
In hot arid zone, buildings normally face three main factors
concerning the thermal comfort principles:
1. Excessive heat gain in summer
2. Excessive heat loss in winter
3. High relative humidity level
In such climate zones, large amounts of energy are used in
buildings, therefore, high cost is spent to provide thermal com-
fort for residents [22].
Natural ventilation works based on two issues: wind and
buoyancy. Along the building envelope, the difference in wind
pressure and also the difference between outdoor and indoor
temperatures generate natural air exchange between outdoor
and indoor spaces. Also, Passive natural cooling generates
energy by the usage of outside airflow, cooling it out and ven-
tilating it to the building, without using fans or any other pow-
ered mechanical systems. Passive cooling systems are typically
used in designing the new buildings, but there are also some
cases where existing buildings can benefit from using the same
principles [7].
c) Thermal Comfort d) Solar Radiation
Impact of glass facades on internal environment of buildings in hot arid zone 1065

d) Solar radiation
Table 2.2 Shading coefficient for typical win-
dows [18]. Source: [18].
Solar radiation influences Glass facade considerably. It
induces high surface temperatures, which cause high drying Glass type Shading coefficient
rates, and inward vapor flows, in Glass facade. Radiation trav- Single, clear 0.69–0.73
els in a straight line between two surfaces. This fact facilitates Bronze 0.53–0.62
the prediction of location, period, and intensity of solar radia- Green 0.50–0.61
tion based on sun path and building orientation [14]. Gray 0.48–0.60
Solar radiation that reaches the earth surface consists of reflective 0.17–0.28
two components. These are direct and diffuse solar radiation. Double, clear 0.60–0.70
Bronze 0.43–0.53
The earth is surrounded by an atmosphere which contains var-
Green 0.40–0.52
ious gaseous constituents, suspended dust and other solid and Gray 0.38–0.51
liquid particles. Due to this solar radiation is altered through HP green 0.33
absorption, reflection, refraction or diffraction [14]. Reflective 0.12–0.20
Double–low E, 0.32–0.60
2.3. Light and heat transmission through glass facade Clear Bronze 0.23–0.48
Green 0.27–0.47
Gray 0.21–0.46
Heat exchange through building material is quantified by the
HP green 0.25–0.39
thermal transmittance or U-value which is measured in W/
m2 K. U-value is the rate of loss of heat per square meter,
for a temperature difference of one Kelvin or degree centigrade
between the inner and outer environment separated by the gies aimed at maximizing the performance of glass in terms
glazing. Heat loss is also quantified in terms of thermal resis- of light transmission, heat blocking and safety issues [1].
tance or R-values. R = 1/U-value or R = m2 k/w. Table 2.1
shows the U&R value difference between Single, Double and 3.1. Glass types in terms of thermal performance
Double with low E coating glazing. [12]
The amount of solar radiation transmitted through the In terms of thermal performance and safety glass are classified
facade of a building is a function of the available radiation, as shown in Table 3.1:
area, orientation, and heat transmission characteristics of the
exposed facade. Solar gain through glazing can be as high as 3.2. Energy efficient and day lighting glazing
85% of the incident radiation [12]. The thermal performance
of a glass building is determined by its shading coefficient. The High-Performance Glass range of products, while being
The value indicates how the glass is thermally insulating (shad- relatively energy-intensive to produce, can, due to their
ing) the interior when there is direct sunlight on the panel or energy-saving properties ‘‘payback” that energy in a matter
window. It is a value ranging from 1.00 to 0.00. The lower rat- of a few months once they have been installed in a building.
ing, the less solar heat is transmitted through the glass, and the Solar and thermal characteristics have a large influence on
greater it’s shading ability, as shown in Table 2.2 and Fig. 2.3 the energetic performances of facades. Bioclimatic needs of a
[18]. facade are determined by three elements [12]:

3. Architectural glass 1- Heating: Heating needs depend on heat loss of the glaz-
ing (energy loss) which can partly be balanced by solar
It is a fact that glass is nowadays extensively present in the gain. The U-value is the key parameter to influence the
facade of modern buildings, thanks to its wide aesthetical pos- heat transfer through the glazing.
sibilities supporting the creativity of the architects. But glass is 2- Air conditioning: Cooling needs will be influenced by the
doing much more as it also plays a key role in the energy effi- solar factor. The lower the g value, the more efficient the
ciency of the building. Indeed, the last generations of glass glazing is at blocking the entry of solar energy and less
products for facade allow natural light to enter generously into air conditioning is required [12].
the building while drastically reducing the cooling and heating 3- Lighting: The higher the light transmission of used glaz-
needs, and providing to the occupants an improved comfort by ing is, the least artificial light is needed .The specification
cutting glare and noise [1]. Current researches, and technolo- for the solar factor (or Shading Coefficient), the light
transmittance and the U-value of the glazing has to be
made according to the building design and its localiza-
tion, the size and orientation of the glazing’s. Simulation
of the energy efficiency enables to determine the optimal
Table 2.1 U and R-value for 6 mm thick glass [12]. Source:
glazing while minimizing the sum of the three kinds of
[12].
energy consumption [12].
Type U–value, W/m2 k R–value, m2 k/w
Single 5.4–5.8 0.18–0.17 The specification for the solar factor (or Shading Coeffi-
Double 2.8–3.0 0.36–0.30 cient), the light transmittance and the U-value of the glazing
Double with low E coating 1.7–2.0 0.59–0.50 has to be made according to the building design and its local-
ization, the size and orientation of the glazing0 s. Simulation of
1066
Fig. 2.3 Heat loss through single and double glass. Source: [18].
Table 3.1 Glass types in terms of thermal performance [22].
Source: [22] (modified by the researcher).
1- Laminated A transparent sheet of polymer is sandwiched
glass between two or more layers of glass to protect
from ultraviolet rays and reduces noise
vibrations.
2- Insulating Glass layers are separated by sealed dry air or
glass gas space for thermal insulation &
condensation control.
3- Coated Covered with low- emissive (low–E) coatings
glass which reflects radiation.
4- Tinted Composed of minerals which colors the glass
glass to absorb radiation.
5- Wire glass A wire mesh is inserted between glass plates to
enable the glass stick together during crack.
6- Smart A unique solution in space management by
glazing way of instantaneous control of opalescence
(transparency and translucence) and dynamic
retro projection of videos and images.It is an
active glass which, under the effect of an
electric current, switches from translucentTo
transparent with no alteration of light
transmission. Light transmission is almost
identical in the transparent and translucent
states. [15]
the energy efficiency enables to determine the optimal glazing
while minimizing the sum of the three kinds of energy con-
sumption. Generally, there are two different types of glazing
as Fig. 3.1 shows that [12].
3.3. The benefits offered by high-performance glass
There are many advantages presented by high-performance
glass as [20]:
1- Solar control
A solar control glass is a glass with a special coating
designed to reduce the amount of heat entering a building. It
reflects and absorbs heat as well as filtering light for reduced
glare. Using a solar control glass can reduce the need for air-
Mohamed Ahmed Alaa El Din Ahmed Sayed, M.A. Fikry
conditioning and blinds. There are many types of solar control
glass offering different aesthetic options; tinted, reflective and
neutral. The solar factor (or g-value) measures the percentage
of heat that passes through the glass. The lower the solar fac-
tor the higher the solar protection and therefore the higher the
performance of the solar control glass.
2- Thermal insulation
A low-E glass is a glass with a special coating designed to
reflect heat into the room, thus reducing heat loss. The extent
to which low-E glass reduces heat loss is measured by the
U-value, the lower the U-value the better the thermal insula-
tion. The U-value of a window is a measurement of the rate
of heat loss indicating how well your windows are keeping
valuable heat in. It is expressed as Watts per square meter
Kelvin W/m2 K [20].
3- Aesthetics
Coated glass range is composed of a large choice of prod-
ucts with different tones and light reflections adapted to the
search of various aesthetics for the facades. Their aesthetics
can be evaluated within two aspects:
1-Light reflection: glass with a slight or high visible
reflection.
2-Color: neutral or colored appearance [9].
4- Acoustics
It is acoustic laminated glass contains a film interlayer that
has a special dampening viscoelastic core helping to reduce the
transmission of sound as Fig. 3.2 shows. This suppresses the
intrusion of sound waves around the critical frequency of the
glass, be it a single pane or a double-glazed unit. In a
double-glazed unit, and achieves an airborne sound insulation
index value outstanding the level of 50 dB [9].
5- Self-cleaning glass
Self-cleaning glass is a dual-action self- cleaning glass man-
ufactured by depositing onto glass a transparent coating com-
posed of photocatalytic mineral material, which have 2 actions
as shown in Fig. 3.3.
Impact of glass facades on internal environment of buildings in hot arid zone 1067

General Types of Glazing

1- first type: 2- Second type:

Glazing with high light transmission and
medium to high solar factor to help to warm the
building. These glazing are perfectly suitable for
cold and mixed climates or for glazing with low
sun exposure.
Glazing with a lower light transmission and low solar
factors more adapted for warm climates. To clarify, there
are three glass categories in different strength.
These are Annealed glass, heat- strengthened glass and
fully tempered glass. Of all the three, Annealed glass is
commonly used due to its good surface flatness and not
heat- treated. [12]

Fig. 3.1 General types of glazing (high and lower light transmission). Source: [12] (modified by the researcher).

Action 1: Photocatalysis Exposure to the UV rays in day-

light triggers the decomposition of organic dirt and turns the
surface of the glass.
Action 2: Water (or rain) action, a sheet of water across the
surface of the glass and rinses away broken-down organic dirt
and mineral material [9].

6- Safety and security

Fire-resistant glass is laminated glass which has the same

strength as ordinary glass but it consists of two pieces of
glass containing a sandwich of plastic interlayer. If the glass Normal Glass Self-Cleaning Glass
does get broken this interlayer holds the whole piece in
place so there is no hole left in the window for an intruder Fig. 3.3 Difference between normal and self-cleaning glass.
to get in through for example or large free shards that can Source: [9].
cut [9].

4. Case study of the ministries building, the governmental district

at new capital, 2019.

4.1. Introduction

Administrative and governmental district is a multi-building

master plan project in which sustainable design strives to not
only create a dynamic experience between two architectural
elements, that are solid and void in facade but positions
itself to create an enlivened pedestrian experience with a
comfortable interior and exterior microclimate for the users.
The project team has strived to create environmentally con-
scious design which responds directly to the hot arid climate Fig. 4.1 The average outdoor temperature. Source: [8].
of Cairo and facilitates socially responsible space that
becomes a catalyst for interaction in the cultural 4.2. Weather data of case study
environment.
Cairo is, by ASHRAE 90.1 definition zone 02, a hot climate.
As shown in the Fig. 4.1. One of the greatest available natural
resources of the Cairo climate is its constant access to the sun-
light [17].

a) Thermal condition

The average outdoor temperature is within the zone of ther-

mal comfort of 20–26 °C for nearly as Fig. 4.1 shows, more
than half of the year. This presents an opportunity for natural
ventilation or night flushing through the months of the year.
Fig. 3.2 Sound meets an obstacle, acoustics glass. Source: [9]. Wind analysis Fig. 4.2 shows that more than half of the year
1068 Mohamed Ahmed Alaa El Din Ahmed Sayed, M.A. Fikry

is of the right temperature and velocity to facilitate natural

ventilation. Figs. 4.3 and 4.4 The relative humidity is comfort-
able all over the year, with day time humidity ranging into
humid, but remaining comfortable [17].

b) Solar condition

Following the current national movement to explore the

solar resource, the Administrative and governmental district
positions itself to address its predominantly sunny climate that
can be challenging but provides the project with its greatest
opportunity for renewable energy. The sustainable design tool Fig. 4.3 Dry blub- relative humidity. Source: [8].
shows there is a high potential for solar energy collection
throughout the year. The high availability of sun is an oppor-
tunity for photovoltaic solar energy and daylight harvesting;
however, its constant presence also creates the challenge of
solar heat gain inside the buildings. Solar heat gain can be mit-
igated through proper placement of shading systems, and the
challenge of abundant direct sunlight can be turned into a dis-
tinct advantage if the shades are placed such that the interior
spaces can take advantage of daylighting without direct heat
gain. As shown in Figs. 4.5–4.7 [8].

4.3. Case study analysis with the simulation software E-QUEST

After reviewing the literature that has been presented and Fig. 4.4 Dry blub- temperature. Source: [8].
obtaining basic building and weather data, this information
was used to simulate the energy performance of the building.
The simulation software used for this research was E-
QUEST, then use software CALUMEN. By clarifying and jus-
tifying many examples and appropriate strategies [4].

4.3.1. Strategy one description

The considered facade, consists of 6 mm gray taint glass (al.
fixed) as an outer layer and 6 mm clear (al. Openable) glass
as an inner layer and separated by an air space of 60 cm.
The facade opens from the bottom in the summer to get hot
air out of the glass facades. However, in winter, the facade is
closed to heat the air and maintain the internal temperature
of the building Fig. 4.8 [16].
Fig. 4.5 Sky cover. Source: [8].
First, the strategy is applied to one facade individual with-
out compromising the rest of the facades. Then applied to the
four facades together to study the difference in the perfor-
mance of the building. Therefore, the strategy can be divided
into five sub–sections.

Fig. 4.6 Sun path diagram. Source: [8].

N: The north facade individual, without the other facades.

E: The east facade individual, without the other facades.
S: The southern facade individual, without the other
Fig. 4.2 Wind velocity and wind rose. Source: [8]. facades.
Impact of glass facades on internal environment of buildings in hot arid zone 1069

Fig. 4.7 Concept plan and site analyses. Source: [8].

6 mm Clear glass 600

space 600mm

6 mm Gray tainted
glass Outer facade

Fig. 4.8 Strategy 1 wall sections and glass window. Source: the researcher, 2019.

W: The west facade individual, without the other facades.
All: Applied to the four facades together.
4.3.1.1. Strategy one analysis. The considered facade, consists
of 6 mm gray taint glass (al. fixed) as an outer layer and
6 mm clear glass as an inner layer and separated by an air
space of 60 cm. Table 4.1 illustrates the main output achieved
to the building in New capital of Cairo.
4.3.1.2. Summary of strategy 1 output.
1) In simulations, the first set (N) consists of the North
Facade only a double glass-faced either in the case of
the use of four facades consume a huge amount of
energy for cooling. Energy cooling is reduced by approx-
imately 8% in this case as shown in Fig. 4.9.
2) In the case of using a double glass facade in the four
facades, the building will require to increase the cooling
capacity by 60%, but when using the shading on the
1070 Mohamed Ahmed Alaa El Din Ahmed Sayed, M.A. Fikry

Table 4.1 The percentage of output achieved in strategy one. Source: The researcher, 2019.
Cooling energy Peak cooling Annual cooling Lighting
00 100% 100% 100% 100%
N 93% 96% 93% 39%
E 113% 110% 112% 41%
S 103% 101% 103% 38%
W 119% 122% 116% 42%
All 161% 159% 160% 43%

North Facade (N-S) only the energy decrease about 2

percentage. After the use of double glass-faced and
shading on North facade the total reduction of energy
will be 10%.
3) At (N) The peak cooling load was similar to the total
cooling energy both were the least with 3% lesser but
all had 55% more as the maximum amount.
4) The E-Quest program output that the energy is utilized
in cooling and lightening. So, the least amount of energy
used in (N) case and the most amount for (all), also with
using double glass facades in many different facades the
cooling energy will increase. The Energy used for light-
ing reduced by about 50% in all strategies. Thus, it
claims that daylighting is a good design option to reduce
loads because of lighting, as shown in Fig. 4.10.

4.3.2. Strategy two description Fig. 4.10 Breakdown of energy consumption of strategy one.
The considered facade of strategy two, consists of a brick wall Source: The researcher, 2019.
facade with glazing area working as a double glass facade
Table 4.2 and Fig. 4.11 reducing the overall U-value of the
facade is the main objective of this facade. Hence reducing Table 4.2 Shows the basic output obtained by analyzing
the cooling loads by reduce the solar heat gain the facade Strategy two. Source: The researcher, 2019.
opens from the bottom in the summer to get hot air out of
the glass facades. However, In the winter, the facade is closed Cooling energy Peak cooling Annual cooling Lighting
to heat the air and maintain the internal temperature of the 100% 100% 100% 100%
building. The facade combines transparent and non- 85% 92% 86% 65%
transparent materials (spandrel glass facade) to achieve the 79% 86% 85% 23%
balance between daylighting and heat gain reduction. 72% 76% 75% 71%

Brick wall

Double glass facade

Fig. 4.11 Strategy 2. Source: The researcher, 2019.

4.3.2.1. Summary of strategy two output.

Total Cooling Energy 1) There was a decrease in the total cooling energy for part
3 about 28%.
Fig. 4.9 Total cooling energy comparison of strategy one. 2) There was a decrease in the cooling energy for part 1 and
Source: The researcher, 2019. 2 about 15% and 20%.
Impact of glass facades on internal environment of buildings in hot arid zone 1071

3) There was a decrease in the peak and annual cooling

loads all over this case, part 3 illustrate the highest
reduction of about 26%, also part 1and 2 illustrates
reduction of 8% and 14% respectively.
4) The annual breakdown of energy consumption shows
the energy required for lighting is about 30% less. The
options 2 and 3 also show reductions of 13% and 19%
in space cooling and 34% and 31% in lighting respec-
tively, as Figs. 4.12 and 4.13 illustrate.

4.3.3. Inferences from case study simulations

The double glass facade has a critical effect on the facade U
value. Designers should select utilize glass color carefully
because if we use an uncomfortable glass type [13].

a) The double glass facade layering effect
Although the use of two glass layers would reduce the U
value of the facade, it will also have a lot of radiation and con-
vection heat transfer across the glass which may fall into the
cavity trap. From the simulations, it can be seen that:
i) Single glazing facade (The first strategy) Consuming a
little less cooling energy (4–8%) than the traditional
individual facade so it is not considered the best solu-
tion. Replacing the four facades with double glazed
facades is a bad solution because the cooling capacity
will increase by about 30% so it is recommended to
use it only on the north facade [2]. The second strategy
is the most efficient in energy consumption and trans-
parency in the hot arid zone, with a total cooling capac-
ity of 13–28% less, which is a combination of
transparent layers of glass and non-transparent brick
(spandrel glass facade). In terms of transparency, the
southern facade has the least transparency but the
northern facade has the maximum transparency.
Although, the west and east facades having equal trans-
parency using half of the north facade is a good solu-
tion. Fig. 4.14 shows the transparency of the facade
along the strategies [15].
b) Effect of the facade shading on the energy performance
Fig. 4.13 Breakdown of energy consumption of strategy strategy
two. Source: The researcher, 2019.
The introduction of shading devices for double glass facade
has the effect of decreasing the consumption of cooling energy
by 2–5% to become fully transparent by 100%. The double
glass facade in the north and the horizontal shading are more
efficient for the same facade without shading devices.
As a result, it can be inferred that an appropriately shaded
double glass facade would lead to a limited energy consump-
tion of the building. It also reflects the appropriate architec-
tural identity of the country so Spandrel gray glass has
therefore been used to build the ministries with 6 mm HD
GREY tempered glass [15]. As Fig. 4.15 shows.
4.4. Case study analysis with the simulation software
CALUMEN
CALUMEN is the software that selects appropriate glass type,
it is a calculation tool enabling you to produce performance
reports for numerous combinations of Glass products in sin-
gle, double or triple glazing. To evaluate the technical perfor-
mance of the glazing and reaching the building required
technical values. By using filters as Summer Comfort, Daylight
Comfort, Acoustic Comfort and safety to achieve the comfort-
able interior environment in the ministries building, Egypt.
From the CALUMEN simulation with the international stan-
dard ISO 9050 Saint-Gobain Glass, there are two Glazing
Configurations available for utilize in this building with classi-
fication like (Thermal transmission, Solar factors, Energy fac-
tors), Figs. 4.16 and 4.17 illustrate it [9].

a) Effect of the glass type selection

It has been shown that the type or color of glass used in

Fig. 4.12 Total cooling energy comparison of two. Source: The
researcher, 2019.
glass facades is an essential factor in determining the thermal,
visual and environmental comfort within the vacuum and
helps to show the architectural identity of the place. The dou-
ble glass facades separated by a corridor of air may not be the
design strategy best suited to provide energy in the dry hot
zone. However, when properly used in conjunction with the
appropriate glass type for the area, the interface with an effec-
tive solution will reduce energy consumption, so in that case
study, the selected double glass is type one because it achieves
higher performance [10].
1072
Fig. 4.14 Transparency of the double glass facade by direction. Source: The researcher, 2019.
Fig. 4.15 Change between lighting and cooling loads dependent
on opaqueness and transparency of facades. Source: The
researcher, 2019.
b) Description of design concept
- The project design represents the timeline of the Egyp-
tian civilization, through the implementation of diverse
ornaments and characteristics from different timelines,
while combining it with the contemporary architecture
to generate a modern architecture which connects
authenticity with modernism which appeared in the
using type glass.
- Choosing the colors, textures, and material which visu-
ally reflects the culture of the district and creates a visual
urban extension reflects the different Egyptian civiliza-
tion [6].
Mohamed Ahmed Alaa El Din Ahmed Sayed, M.A. Fikry
- The new administrative governmental district will con-
tain three different architectural themes, which are Egyp-
tian, Islamic and modern Egyptian. As shown in
Figs. 5.18–5.20 [6].
c) Building structure
The building is a concrete skeleton structure with brick
walls and tinted glazing curtain walls. The Building structure
module in all designs by considering a grid of 8.4 m  9.6 m
and 8.4  8.4 m which is suitable for various designs
Fig. 5.21. One of the most important aspects which were con-
sidered by the designers is maximizing the use of Local mate-
rials by using natural local stones for external cladding and
concrete skeletons [21].
5. Conclusion
There is very little concern shown for designing according to
the climate, or the architectural character of the country also,
in opposite of Predominantly seen in the European countries,
the concept of using glass in glass facades regard to scientific
reference to its physical properties and their impact on internal
environment of buildings, which acts as insulation against tem-
perature extremes, wind, and sound double skin facades or
ventilated facades.
The research issue was first to make designers and users
familiar with implementing appropriate glass types to ensure
Impact of glass facades on internal environment of buildings in hot arid zone 1073

Fig. 4.16 The two appropriate types of double glass from CALUMEN software. Source: [9] (modified by the researcher).

Type 01 Type 02

Fig. 4.17 The classification of the two selected types. Source: [9] (modified by the researcher).

users comfort inside buildings. In addition to, study the effect
of buildings glass facades on occupants0 visual and thermal
comfort, then propose a suitable methodology for the selection
of appropriate glass material as well as effective shading sys-
tems, which respond to the incident solar radiation.
The Internal Environment optimization is brought through
solar path study during those critical hours and days of the
year and finding appropriate geometrical configuration for
the facade. Therefore, it is recommended that architects and
researchers be engaged in a comprehensive and holistic study
of their environment before major facade design decisions. Cli-
matic analysis and interpretation have to be integrated into the
design and fabrication process starting from the schematic
phase of the design. In addition, it is suggested that glass
1074 Mohamed Ahmed Alaa El Din Ahmed Sayed, M.A. Fikry

Fig. 5.18 Architectural Arabic theme, [6] (modified by the researcher).

Fig. 5.19 Architectural Egyptian theme, [6] (modified by the researcher).

Fig. 5.20 Architectural Modern Egyptian theme, [6] (modified by the researcher).

Fig. 5.21 Building elevation structure (stone cladding and concrete skeletons), [21].
Impact of glass facades on internal environment of buildings in hot arid zone
material importers have to study the performance of the mate-
rial in the local context and the architectural identity of the
place, before supplying to the building industry.
It is suggested that future studies and experiments to be
made on effective shading devices for existing radiation vulner-
able buildings in the city. Type of glasses, shading devices and
effective angles for different orientations should be studied to
produce a general municipal guideline which evaluates upcom-
ing facade designs in the city before construction permit.
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[11] Heinz W. Krewinkel, Buildings: Material, Structure and Detail,
Birkhaüser, 1998.