Which facade type operates on the principle of a ventilated double skin with an intermediate shading device and reflects most incoming solar radiation back through the external glass?

• A. Curtain wall
• B. Double-layered facade
• C. Glass curtain
• D. Solid wall

Answer: (B)

A double-skin façade relies on two glass skins with a ventilated air gap between them and often includes an intermediate shading device. This setup intercepts solar radiation with the outer layer and shading within or in front of the cavity, while the ventilated cavity carries heat away, so much of the solar energy is reflected back toward the exterior glass rather than entering the interior. That combination—two glass skins, a ventilated gap, and an intermediate shading device that directs solar energy back through the outer glass—is the defining approach described. Curtain walls and glass curtain walls typically refer to single-skin or non-ventilated systems, and a solid wall lacks the glazing and ventilation features needed.