Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(3A), pp. 2216 - 2236
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131304
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Utilizing Adaptive Glass and Materials in Smart Window Design to Improve Thermal Performance of Buildings in Hot Climates

Kholoud R. Salama ^*, Medhat A. Samra , Osama M. Farag
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Buildings stand as significant consumers of energy. They contribute to at least 30% of global energy usage with a significant amount expended on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for the purpose of maintaining indoor thermal comfort. Recent studies and practical implementations have highlighted the effectiveness of adaptive facades in enhancing thermal comfort more efficiently than traditional building envelopes. This research delves into the potential of passive adaptive systems, particularly those that harness the properties of natural and adaptive materials, to improve the energy efficiency of building envelopes. Accordingly, theoretical data are collected to conduct a framework as a proposal for the best available adaptive materials which can be used in smart windows to control thermal behavior and reduce thermal loads. The research question: To what extent does the idea of selecting adaptive materials succeed in achieving thermal comfort in building spaces within the scope of energy efficiency? The research assumes that if there were a framework linking the physical properties of materials with the best-suited climate for their function, it would be easy to resort to these technological solutions that ensure high efficiency for the spaces of the buildings and the comfort of their occupants. The key objective of this study is to specify the best available adaptive materials, particularly adaptive glass and other smart window materials, and enhance their role in facades aiming to control thermal behavior and reduce thermal loads. The novelty of this study lies in integrating a detailed comparative analysis of multiple adaptive materials and developing a comprehensive framework that clearly links the physical properties and adaptive behaviors of these materials with specific climatic conditions. This framework facilitates the practical selection of adaptive materials by architects and developers, thereby enhancing building performance, occupant comfort, and significantly reducing reliance on conventional HVAC systems.

KEYWORDS
Adaptive Glass, Adaptive Material, Smart Window, Thermal Load

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Kholoud R. Salama , Medhat A. Samra , Osama M. Farag , "Utilizing Adaptive Glass and Materials in Smart Window Design to Improve Thermal Performance of Buildings in Hot Climates," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 3A, pp. 2216 - 2236, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131304.

(b). APA Format:
Kholoud R. Salama , Medhat A. Samra , Osama M. Farag (2025). Utilizing Adaptive Glass and Materials in Smart Window Design to Improve Thermal Performance of Buildings in Hot Climates. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(3A), 2216 - 2236. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131304.