Abstract
This study investigates the influence of curtain wall façade systems—defined as non-structural glazed enclosures—on workplace comfort and energy performance in administrative buildings in Cairo, Egypt. The research addresses the limited understanding of how façade orientation and the integration of sustainable materials affect building performance in hot-arid climates. The focus is on the role of Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) frames and thermochromic glazing in enhancing thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining 600 occupant questionnaires from six office buildings with performance simulations using DesignBuilder (v6.1.0.006). The findings showed that west- and southwest-facing façades provided poor daylighting and thermal comfort compared to north-facing façades, while acoustic comfort remained relatively uniform. Simulation analyses revealed that curtain wall systems incorporating UPVC frames and thermochromic glazing achieved significant improvements in both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. These results highlight the potential of sustainable façade materials as viable alternatives under Egypt's environmental and economic constraints and align with global sustainability goals for creating healthier, energy-efficient office environments.
Keywords
Curtain wall façades, Sustainable building materials, UPVC frames, Thermochromic glazing, DesignBuilder simulation, Office buildings
Recommended Citation
Adel, Sherihan and Abu-Elenain, Esraa E.
(2026)
"Enhancing Occupational Comfort and Energy Performance in Administrative Buildings through Thermochromic Glazing and UPVC Curtain Wall Systems,"
HBRC Journal: Vol. 22:
Iss.
1, Article 49.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65800/2090-9934.1048
Available at:
https://journal.hbrc.edu.eg/journal/vol22/iss1/49