The influence on daylight and energy consumption of expanded metal mesh applied on building façades

Expanded metal mesh has become widely used as a shading element in the façade of many buildings in recent years, and its energy saving performance has been evaluated in tropical/subtropical countries. However, expanded metal mesh reduces solar radiation while also reducing the natural daylight entering the building. This study's objective is to assess the impact of expanded metal mesh on building energy consumption and natural daylighting. The daylight effects on visual comfort and energy consumption of an office building located in Tainan, Taiwan were studied via building simulation program DIVA. Parameters including window to wall ratios (WWR), perforation rate expanded metal mesh, and glazing of window glass were studied, and a daylight standard of LEED rating system was used for evaluation. The results showed that when the office building with large WWR and less glazing, the expanded metal mesh performed a better energy saving effect. For an office building with 50% WWR, the laminated clear glass and expanded metal mesh with 21% perforation rate were suggested to be the best design solution for meeting the LEED daylight standard and the lowest energy consumption.