Recommended angle of a modular dynamic facade in hot-arid climate: daylighting and energy simulation

Purpose The modular dynamic facade (MDF) concept could be an approach in a comfort-centric design through proper integration with energy-efficient buildings. This study focuses on obtaining and/or calculating an efficient angle of the MDF, which would lead to the optimum performance in daylight availability and energy consumption in a single south-faced official space located in the hot-arid climate of Yazd, Iran. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consists of three fundamental parts: (1) based on previous related studies, a diamond-based dynamic skin facade was applied to a south-faced office building in a hot-arid climate; (2) the daylighting and energy performance of the model were simulated annually; and (3) the data obtained from the simulation were compared to reach the optimum angle of the MDF. Findings The results showed that when the angle of the MDF openings was set at 30 degrees, it could decrease energy consumption by 41.32% annually, while daylight simulation pointed that the space experienced the minimum possible glare at this angle. Therefore, the angle of 30 degrees was established as the optimum angle, which could be the basis for future investment in responsive building envelopes. Originality/value This angular study simultaneously assesses the daylight availability, visual comfort and energy consumption on a MDF in a hot-arid climate.