The increasing use of energy has been the main driver of renewed interest in building techniques that increase the energy efficiency of buildings. Multilayer facades (MSF) are facades that structurally consist of two or more layers with one or more cavities between them. MSF layers contain elements that can be controlled to respond to external environmental conditions in a manner consistent with ensuring the energy efficiency of buildings. The aim of this review is to study the effect of factors related to the performance of multi-layer facades (thermal performance, daylighting, and ventilation) on increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. The review focuses on studying the factors related to the design of MSF facades in particular, as the study of their impact on the energy efficiency of buildings was not addressed in previous reviews. This was done by conducting a review of more than 50 research papers that dealt with studying the performance of various types of MSF facades. Through a review of previous literature, it was found that MSF facades are an effective building technology for increasing the building's functional performance (thermal performance, daylighting, and ventilation) and then increasing its energy efficiency. When comparing the MSF to single facades, it was found that it has the ability to achieve the required balance between the conflicting functional requirements of the building while ensuring an increase in its energy efficiency. In addition, the final results concluded that the types of MSF can be summarized into three main types, and when they are well designed, it is possible to ensure that the energy efficiency of the building is increased. However, the studies did not cover the possibility of comparing them in the early stages, designed to choose the most appropriate with regard to the issue of energy efficiency.
 
Special Issue of AEIC 2024 (Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design Session)