Modern buildings in Australia contribute to 28% of annual greenhouse gas emissions and consume a significant amount of primary energy [1]. Further, Australia is one of the world's highest greenhouse gas emitters per capita [2]. This has led to the development of strategies and policies toward sustainable building in line with the Paris Agreement [1]. Over the past twenty years, the interest of building designers has focused on reducing the energy requirements of buildings. Efforts such as the AIA 2030 Commitment and the Department of Energy Building Technologies Program's energy conservation initiatives have propelled the industry towards realising Net-Zero solutions in the future [3].
The façade, which is the skin of a building, plays a significant role in the building’s sustainability performance [4]. Moreover, it acts as a filter between indoor and outdoor environments, regulating temperature, generating breezes, and filtering air and water to contribute to public health and energy conservation [5]. The earliest way of achieving the sustainability of building façade is by reducing the overall mass and orientation of major facades and roof surfaces [6]. Further, in modern building envelopes, different approaches have been taken to minimise the energy requirements of the building systems [7, 8]. A significant amount of energy can be saved in modern façades using natural ventilation [9, 10], optimisation of daylight [11, 12] generating solar and wind energy [13, 14] using smart and adaptive devices [15, 16], combining plants with facades [17, 18] and using sustainable materials [19, 20].
With the aid of building information modelling (BIM) and finite element analysis software, architects and façade engineers have enabled complex design capabilities [21]. Computer-aided design software can analyse and simulate façade design before construction. Open-source technologies like THERM can now assess total heat transfer coefficients [22]. Structural technology solutions and materials engineering advancements have led to the development of cable networks, cable structures, structural glass facades, space frames, and self-loading frameworks [23]. Furthermore, external shading devices, adjustable overhangs, and solar control glass reduce interior cooling loads and decrease building façade heat by up to 20% [24]. Reflective coatings and insulation material are used to improve energy efficiency, and thermoelectric modules can be integrated into façade systems along with PV material to generate electricity [23]. Technological advances, such as smart materials, wireless sensors, smart actuators, and microprocessors, have enabled facade designers to regulate climatic factors such as light, temperature, and humidity in interior spaces in real-time, ensuring thermal and visual user satisfaction [25]. With all these technological advancements, new façade systems are developed to achieve a sustainable building with the required economic and social aspects and aesthetical features.
However, when implementing new technology in façade construction, it is important to note that several constraints and limitations exist. With the recent advancements in high-rise building construction and a growing demand for innovative architectural designs, facade engineering has evolved into a complex engineering profession that requires daily technical analyses and adjustments [26]. To meet the evolving standards of sustainable building design, facade material elements and systems must adhere to these standards. One of the major limitations is the need for specialised expertise and skills in designing, installing, and maintaining these systems [27]. Additionally, facade technology may be more vulnerable to wear and tear than traditional materials, increasing maintenance and replacement costs over time [28]. Integrating complex systems such as lighting and shading can also pose challenges related to costly construction and expensive material usage [29]. These limitations have been discussed in this paper.
Given the historical evolution of facade engineering and the current considerations regarding sustainability and limitations, the need for a comprehensive review of the latest technological advancements and their impact on facade engineering practices is critical in guiding future sustainable building design [30]. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancements has led to the development of new facade systems and materials that require careful evaluation to ensure that they meet sustainability goals [31]. Therefore, this study comprehensively reviews the latest technological advancements and their impact on facade engineering. This will help to guide future sustainable building design and ensure that facade engineering practices remain current and effective.