Please enter Your Name to link to your Design Journal, and paste a link to your personal folder on ACC in the ACC Folder Link field above.

For 2 Units

Please share your design showing the features of the proposed building envelope, including the locations and characteristics of:

• the wall and roof surfaces
• the openings/glazed surfaces
• windows and/or curtain walls
• doors
• skylights
• any shading or sun control features

For my proposed design,

The image below is steve jobs theater in apple park which utilizes structural glass

The building design employs Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) as the primary construction method for its walls, ensuring excellent thermal performance and airtightness. The ICF system integrates foam insulation with concrete, minimizing thermal bridging and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. This strategy not only contributes to energy efficiency but also provides a robust, durable structure capable of withstanding various environmental conditions.

The design leverages concrete’s high thermal mass, strategically placing it behind the glass façade to absorb, store, and gradually release solar heat. This use of thermal mass helps moderate indoor temperature fluctuations, reducing reliance on mechanical HVAC systems. By optimizing the interplay between solar gain and stored heat, the building remains comfortable throughout both the heating and cooling seasons.

A prominent feature of the design is the expansive glass façade, which eliminates traditional window installations and maximizes natural daylighting. The glass is slightly tinted to control glare and reduce solar heat gain, while interior shading screens further modulate incoming light. This combination of shading devices and advanced glazing technologies creates a responsive façade that adapts to varying light conditions and enhances energy performance.

In addition to ICF walls and glass features, the design incorporates innovative façade treatments to further boost thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Options such as rainscreen cladding—using materials like fiber cement, reclaimed wood, or metal sheets—create a ventilated air gap that enhances moisture management and thermal resistance. Other possibilities include the integration of vertical green walls to promote a biophilic environment and the use of perforated metal screens or parametric louvers for additional shading and visual interest.

Overall, the building’s envelope is a harmonious blend of high-performance materials and creative design elements. By integrating ICFs, concrete thermal mass, dynamic glazing, and thoughtful façade treatments, the design achieves a balance between energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and contemporary aesthetics. This holistic approach ensures that the building remains both functionally efficient and visually engaging over its lifecycle.