Obstacles to the use of exterior fenestration and daylighting control systems in the US

Conference · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6689772

Sweitzer, G; Johnson, R

Exterior fenestration and daylighting control systems can provide excellent control of solar gain and glare and still be visually satisfying elements in the design of building envelopes. However, US building industry experience with exterior fenestration and daylighting control systems suggests that durability and proper function of these systems is often unsatisfactory. Yet in Western Europe, exterior systems are a proven, cost-effective, and aesthetically accepted fenestration design element. It is suggested that these contrasting operating experiences reflect differences in prevailing US/Western European approaches to building design, construction, and operation. Three representative US building case studies are examined, each describing the application of exterior fenestration/daylighting control components previously untested as a system, and some unsatisfactory consequences. Several changes that may assist in increasing the acceptance and success of these systems in the US building industry are suggested.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 6689772
• Report Number(s): LBL-17683; CONF-840610-3; ON: DE84014591
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320100* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Buildings
BUILDINGS
CONSTRAINTS
DAYLIGHTING
DESIGN
HEAT GAIN
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
OPENINGS
SKYLIGHTS
WINDOWS