Towards Breathable Building Envelopes for a Synergy between Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Khaoula FEKKOUS; Yasmina BOUCHAHM; Nadia FEKKOUS

doi:10.38027/ICCAUA2026EN0089

Authors

Khaoula FEKKOUS Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, University of Constantine 3 Salah BOUBNIDER, Constantine, Algeria.
Yasmina BOUCHAHM Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, University of Constantine 3 Salah BOUBNIDER, Constantine, Algeria
Nadia FEKKOUS Department of Architecture, Faculty of Technology, University 8 May 1945, Guelma, Algeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38027/ICCAUA2026EN0089

Keywords:

Breathable envelopes, Biomimicry, Smart materials, Thermal comfort, Energy efficiency

Abstract

Over the past few decades, architectural practice has taken a new direction, giving rise to a remarkable trend in the design of modern building envelopes. These envelopes, often adaptive and inspired by nature, have emerged through innovative manufacturing techniques based on advanced technologies and novel materials. They represent a new generation of building envelopes capable of breathing, adapting, and reacting to external factors in real time, symbolizing a shift from static architecture to kinetic architecture. With this in mind, this paper outlines the various aspects of breathable envelopes designed using a biomimicry approach. It highlights the transformation of knowledge derived from nature into architectural solutions that introduce innovative techniques in the construction field through the use of smart materials. These breathable envelopes aim to achieve indoor thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption to enhance overall energy efficiency.

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Author Biography

Yasmina BOUCHAHM, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, University of Constantine 3 Salah BOUBNIDER, Constantine, Algeria

Over the past few decades, architectural practice has taken a new direction, giving rise to a remarkable trend in the design of modern building envelopes. These envelopes, often adaptive and inspired by nature, have emerged through innovative manufacturing techniques based on advanced technologies and novel materials. They represent a new generation of building envelopes capable of breathing, adapting, and reacting to external factors in real time, symbolizing a shift from static architecture to kinetic architecture.
With this in mind, this paper outlines the various aspects of breathable envelopes designed using a biomimicry approach. It highlights the transformation of knowledge derived from nature into architectural solutions that introduce innovative techniques in the construction field through the use of smart materials. These breathable envelopes aim to achieve indoor thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption to enhance overall energy efficiency.