Building Integration of Aerogel Glazings

Abstract

The recent building practices have shown that aerogel glazings can be used as a multifunctional building envelope component for different purposes. Nevertheless, the distinctive physical properties and energy performance of aerogel glazings suggest that building integration of aerogel glazings may create architectural challenges, aesthetic problems, as well as concerns on their durability and environmental impact, thus highlighting the importance of developing guidelines to regulate the use of aerogel glazings in the building sector. This study discusses various approaches for the building integration of aerogel glazings by presenting a number of successful examples; the advantages of integration are quantified and suggestions are given to address the possible challenges.