Smart materials for Adaptive façade systems. The case study of SELFIE components

Energy efficiency plays a key role in the smart, inclusive and sustainable growth of the European Community. In this framework, the building sector has a significant impact on energy-saving strategies, moving towards nZEB, as defined by the European Directive 2010/31. Nowadays, it has become a priority to design innovative technological solutions capable of guaranteeing adaptive behavior (in terms of macro, micro and nanoscale), introducing dynamic elements into the architectural artefact to make it changeable over time (self-regulating, self-cleaning, capturing materials, etc.).The integration of smart insulation materials (e.g. PCM, VIP, Aerogel, TIM, etc.) in the construction products and components, with "embedded technological functions", leads to a new culture of building envelope design, characterized by high-energy performance levels and has a great potential related to innovative features. Numerous studies and researches show that the thermal energy storage capacity of PCMs is much higher than traditional building materials; for this reason, the use in the field of light prefabricated constructions are increasing. The aim of the paper is describing how PCMs can be integrated into the prefabricated envelopes to reduce the global energy consumption of buildings, reaching the nZEB standard, showing an experimental application developed in the frame of the Italian research SELFIE.