This note was reviewed and approved for currency in September 2018.
The use of double-skin facades has increased significantly over the last 10 to 15 years, primarily due to the benefits attributed to them in regard to increased energy efficiency and improved daylighting. There remains debate, however, about whether these benefits would be more effectively provided by a well designed, traditional, single-skin facade system. This paper discusses the various types of double-skin facades systems, exploring their features and function. The paper then reviews recent research and examples to attempt to reach a conclusion as to whether with a double-skin facade, more really is less.