
Facade Thermal Performance Analyzer
Calculate facade U-values, thermal bridging, and energy performance for building certification
What You Can Do
You can analyze multi-layer facade systems to calculate U-values, quantify thermal bridging effects (linear and point transmittance), and evaluate solar gain performance across different orientations and glazing specifications. The skill helps you document thermal resistance calculations, compare design alternatives on energy criteria, and produce defensible energy performance narratives that meet building code compliance requirements (ASHRAE 90.1, EN 13790, LEED, BREEAM, Passive House standards).
Features
Systematically compute thermal transmittance for multi-layer facade assemblies with precise layer specifications
Identify and measure linear transmittance (ψ-value) and point transmittance effects in facade details and connections
Evaluate SHGC, visible transmittance (VT), and solar load performance by orientation and glazing type
Generate energy performance narratives and assumptions for ASHRAE 90.1, EN 13790, LEED, BREEAM, and Passive House certification
Compare facade options side-by-side on energy metrics (heating load reduction, annual energy savings, payback periods)
Cross-check RSI/R-value calculations and identify optimization opportunities in insulation strategies
Translate facade performance data into whole-building energy model assumptions and boundary conditions
Evaluate surface temperatures and humidity conditions to identify thermal comfort and moisture management issues
Example Output
Example 1: U-Value Calculation Report
Facade Assembly: Double-skin glazed curtain wall with cavity insulation
- Outer glazing: 6mm Low-E tempered (U = 1.4 W/m²K)
- Insulation cavity: 150mm mineral wool (λ = 0.035 W/mK, R = 4.29 m²K/W)
- Inner glazing: 6mm Low-E tempered (U = 1.4 W/m²K)
- Film coefficients: exterior 23 W/m²K, interior 8 W/m²K
**Calculated Assembly U-value: 0.18 W/m²K** ✓ Exceeds Passive House requirement (0.20)
Annual heating load reduction vs. baseline (0.50 W/m²K): 32% energy savings
Example 2: Thermal Bridge Impact Assessment
Horizontal Spandrel Detail Analysis:
- Base detail (no thermal break): ψ-value = 0.067 W/mK
- With 40mm polyamide thermal break: ψ-value = 0.012 W/mK
- Linear thermal loss reduction: 82%
- Annual energy impact across 240m spandrel: €2,840 savings
Example 3: Compliance Documentation ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE SUMMARY
- U-value: 0.18 W/m²K (code max: 0.25) ✓
- Thermal bridging (total ψ): 0.045 W/mK (acceptable range) ✓
- Solar heat gain coefficient (winter): 0.38 ✓
- Compliance status: ASHRAE 90.1 and EN 13790 approved
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file: Complete facade thermal analysis workflow and calculation methodology
- U-Value Calculation Template: Layer-by-layer spreadsheet structure with standard material properties and film coefficients
- Thermal Bridging Assessment Checklist: Systematic evaluation framework for identifying and measuring linear and point transmittance effects
- Compliance Documentation Framework: Compliance narrative templates for ASHRAE 90.1, EN 13790, LEED, BREEAM, and Passive House standards
- Design Comparison Matrix: Multi-criteria analysis template for evaluating facade alternatives on energy performance, cost, and construction feasibility
Who It's For
- Facade engineers — Designing and optimizing building envelope systems for thermal performance and energy code compliance
- Building physics consultants — Analyzing envelope thermal behavior and producing energy performance documentation for certification submissions
- Sustainability/LEED coordinators — Documenting facade contributions to energy efficiency credits and whole-building performance targets
- Architectural designers — Evaluating facade material and orientation choices for solar control and passive energy strategies
- Building envelope researchers — Quantifying thermal performance of innovative facade systems and material assemblies
Best For
- Calculating U-values and thermal resistance for multi-layer facade systems and glazing assemblies
- Quantifying thermal bridging effects in facade connections, spandrels, and window frames
- Evaluating solar gain performance and optimizing window placement for passive solar strategies
- Generating energy compliance documentation for building certification schemes (LEED, BREEAM, Passive House)
- Comparing facade design alternatives on energy metrics and identifying cost-effective optimization opportunities
- Producing energy modeling inputs and boundary conditions for whole-building simulation tools







