Abstract
In a global context where buildings account for approximately 30% of final energy demand and 26% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, improving the building envelope is a key strategy for achieving sustainability goals. This study investigates the energy, environmental and visual performance of a dynamic Second Skin Fac¸ade (SSF) system applied as a passive retrofit solution for a typical office building located in Trondheim, Norway. The SSF integrates adaptive technologies and is composed of 3D-printed panels in Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA): solid panels for opaque walls and perforated panels for windows. A simulation-based methodology using TRNSYSsoftware was implemented to compare the performance of the retrofitted building against a reference case. Additionally, a gate-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment was performed to assess the environmental impact of the 3D-printed components. Results highlight a reduction in primary energy demand by up to 25.5% and an annual decrease of approximately 1.4 tCO2eq, particularly when the dynamic shading control is based on vertical solar radiation. Although the Global Warming Potential of ASA panels is higher than that of conventional materials, the local production and Norway’s low-carbon electricity grid contribute to a favorable environmental profile. The findings underline the potential of 3D printing for adaptive envelope solutions.