An innovative adaptive multilayer façade: evaluation in the test cell LABIMED

This paper shows some research activities carry on an adaptive multilayer façade system SELFIE (Smart and Efficient Layers for Innovative Envelope), developed by Abita Interuniversity Research Centre of Florence University, involving several partners such as research institutes on materials technology and construction industries. The aim of the research SELFIE (founded by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research and the Regional Administration of Tuscany) was the improvement of more efficient architectural solutions, built integrating smart materials and innovative solutions, to achieve high energy efficiency performances and to satisfy the construction market trend requirements for buildings energy saving and indoor environment quality. In detail, the first part of the paper presents the design and technology features of a full-scale test facility for the Mediterranean area: the Test Cell LABIMED, an outdoor laboratory built in the frame of the other research project ABITARE MEDITERRANEO to study innovative façade systems under real climatic conditions. The second part is focused on the experimental activities provided for the outdoor test in order to analyze at full scale the energy performances of the SELFIE facade prototype in the winter months, in order to analyze its energy behavior in real conditions.