The pace of transformation in the metropolitan areas of Africa is quite rapid, to say the least, with the development of different office parks, commercial buildings, and residential units in such a way that the skyline has changed the view from Lagos to Nairobi. One of the leading factors of this transformation is the widespread application of glass facades (walls). These elegant and transparent coverings not only provide an opportunity for natural light to come in but also connect the indoor spaces with the outside.
Africa’s climate is known for extremes. One day can be hot and humid while the next can be dry and scorching. Hence, the performance of glass walls is a crucial factor that goes beyond aesthetics. It becomes an issue of making sure the energy-saving and operating costs of buildings remain low. It is an issue of sustainability over the long term as well. In this context, the present article will discuss the role of smart glass and good façade design in coping with Africa’s difficult climate. We shall also identify aluminum and glass as the most appropriate materials. Lastly, we shall examine how new solutions are contributing to the reduction of energy demand and the promotion of greener cities.
The Use of Glass Façades in African Architecture has Increased
It is said that the cities in Africa are expanding at a faster rate than almost any other part of the world. This growth has raised the demand for commercial and residential buildings that are up to date and modern. The choice of concrete walls, architects, and city planners is often driven by the appeal of glass walls due to the following major advantages they bring:
- Almost all the daylight that falls on the building can be used for illumination, which minimizes the use of artificial lighting.
- It is easier to attain modern and visually impressive designs for the buildings which, in turn, makes the projects more visible.
- The linkage between inside and outside living is stronger and more comfortable which corresponds with Africa’s lively climates and is hence, a reconciliation of sort.
However, the extensive use of glass façades in Africa has its drawbacks, especially in terms of energy. No matter how well the façades are designed, there will be penetration of the rays of the sun through them. In such cases, the indoor temperatures are increased, and air conditioning is made mandatory, leading to the increase in power bills. They also make power grids, which are already overloaded, to work harder.
The Climate Factor: Why Africa Requires Smart Glass Solutions
Most regions experience only slight variations in weather conditions all year. Africa, however, is different. The continent faces strong sunlight, extreme heat, and often lacks power systems to meet its increasing energy demands. For instance, West Africa is mostly hot and wet. On the other hand, North Africa is usually very dry and hot. Thus, a one-size-fits-all solution with the same glass walls would be futile.
Contractors must select energy-efficient glass that has been purposely created for the control of heat movement through it. The glass may be coated with low-emissivity, or it can be with double or even triple layers. Apart from all this, tints can be applied too. The coatings and layers take over the sun’s heat but grant light access to the building. This technology is a win-win for people inside the building, as it keeps them comfortable and saves energy in large amounts.
To illustrate, research from the International Energy Agency indicates that smart glazing solutions can lead to a demand for cooling to be as much as 40 percent less in hot areas. For Africa, where electricity is pricey and outages are frequent, that cutback is quite considerable.
Aluminum and Glass: A Winning Combination
Aluminum frames used with glass façades are the most popular choice for building glass walls. The main properties of aluminum its strength, durability and non-rusting are the ones that lead to its use as the main material for a building’s support structure. Besides, aluminum allows for thin, sleek and smooth designs. Thus, architects have way more freedom in their designs.
Moreover, using aluminum with good quality glass ensures that the walls are in vogue, are long-lasting, and finally not damaging to the environment. Aluminum being a non-rusting metal is a plus over steel. Furthermore, it does not shrink or bow in humid conditions as wood does. It can survive Africa’s varied climates while maintaining its sleek and polished appearance. What is more, aluminum is 100% recyclable. Thus, the recycling technique is as much of an impact maker in the continent’s shift towards eco-friendly building practices as it is in the practice itself.
Reducing Energy Use Through Smart Façade Design
Saving energy is not only about the kind of glass used but also the design of the glass wall. In Africa, it is essential to consider the orientation of the building, the use of shades and ventilation in the design. For instance:
- Orientation: Setting façades to minimize the direct contact with the harsh afternoon sunlight will help in lowering the cooling load.
- Shading systems: Sunlight can be efficiently blocked with external louvers, perforated panels, and dynamic shading which can control the amount of sunlight coming in.
- Natural ventilation: Windows that can be opened and built-in ventilation systems lower the need for mechanical cooling.
When these three measures are applied alongside the new energy-efficient glass, the reliance on the power-hungry air conditioning systems is reduced. Consequently, the energy costs of the buildings are lowered and the environment benefits as well.
The Economic and Environmental Benefits
Sometimes, building owners are worried that the initial cost of the best glass systems will be too high. However, the long-term savings are one of the main benefits. Usually, using glass walls that save energy brings buildings a lower power bill and more happy tenants, which in turn, the overall value of the building goes up.
When companies save on energy, they will have more money to invest in their growth. For governments, it translates into less burden on the country’s power supply. The environment will receive equal treatment. Energy-saving walls will cut the amount of greenhouse gas emissions sent into the atmosphere by the buildings. This is one of the ways Africa can meet its obligations under the global climate agreements. By selecting good materials and applying smart design, the region is able to develop sustainably. It does not have to repeat the mistakes of the old industrial, polluting countries that have lost their place in the world market.
Innovations Driving the Future of Façade Systems
The technology of glass and wall systems is getting better and better at a lightning speed. New concepts are transforming glass walls into highly energy-efficient and flexible ones. Among them is switchable glass, which can control its brightness. There is also photovoltaic glass, which can generate electricity. Last but not least, smart sensors will automatically control the shades. These techniques are helping to regulate temperature and light in real time.
These concepts might look like they are from the future; however, they are becoming more and more usable and less expensive. As the manufacturing industry grows in Africa and prices drop, the construction industry will start using these advanced solutions for their big projects. This will ensure that the cities in Africa will continue to be attractive places to live and operate, efficiently, and grow sustainably even during rapid urbanization.
Practical Applications in Africa’s Climate
The continent already reveals through several high-profile projects that glass façades can be adapted:
- Tinted glazing and external shading in Nairobi‘s business parks reduce cooling loads significantly.
- Johannesburg’s commercial high-rises are powered by energy-efficient double-glazing coupled with aluminum framing.
- The architects in Lagos are innovating with hybrid façades, fusing open-air areas and shaded glazing to enhance air movement.
These cases show that Africa is not short of imagination or aspiration. If proper capital is allocated for energy-efficient glazing, the continent will be at the forefront of eco-friendly building techniques.
FAQs
The outlook of the African cities in future is going to depend on the success of the design, comfort and sustainability. Future of glass walls is among the methods for making this possible. Their popularity would be dependent on the so-called smart energy technology and careful design that are being used. So, in Africa’s most challenging weather conditions very energy-efficient buildings can be constructed. The use of strong aluminum frames, high-quality glass and weather-appropriate shading are some of the techniques employed in this approach that reduce energy cost and protect the earth.
If you are looking for a large-scale project or a commercial development, Aluro offers specialized glazing solutions that are specifically designed for the unique needs of Africa. Get in touch with us today to find out more about the sustainable options that can turn your building into an energy efficiency model.