Literature Review: Concept and Application of Double Facade Design in Buildings in Tropical Climates

Abstract

This study presents a systematic literature review examining the application of double façade systems in tropical climates, with particular attention to their implications for building energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, employing a structured process of identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and synthesis of peer-reviewed empirical studies retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. From an initial pool of 64 publications, seven studies met all predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis. Rather than generating new empirical data, this study synthesizes existing evidence to identify recurring design principles, implementation challenges, and performance determinants of double façade systems in tropical environments. The synthesis indicates that effective double façade performance is closely associated with controlled cavity ventilation, appropriate material selection under high humidity conditions, and the integration of solar control strategies. Recurrent challenges reported across the literature include heat accumulation within inadequately ventilated cavities, moisture management issues, and material durability under prolonged tropical exposure. The findings further suggest that adaptive design approaches such as responsive glazing, regulated ventilation strategies, and adjustable shading systems offer greater potential for sustainable performance than static façade configurations. However, the review also highlights a significant gap in long-term empirical validation under real tropical operating conditions.