The Multi-Objective Optimisation for Energy Consumption and Daylight of Office Buildings in London: Meshed Façade Energy Study, Sara Elhussein
Sara Elhussein
Architect and Senior Sustainability Consultant
I Design, London
United Kingdom
ORCID: 0009-0006-0824-3527
Paper Type: Research
Received: 8 August 2025 / Revised: 11 August 2025 / Accepted: 13 August 2025 / Published: 15 October 2025
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJSTSD.20.4.2025.1
Purpose: Mesh façades have emerged as a dual-purpose solution that combines solar protection with visual transparency and aesthetic flexibility: leading architects are increasingly adopting them in nonresidential buildings. This study evaluates their application as second-skin passive shading systems and their impact on energy and daylight performance in fully glazed office buildings in London, UK.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A simulation-based multi-objective optimisation model was developed in Grasshopper using the Colibri plugin and evolutionary algorithms. Key variables, including mesh density, spacing, thickness, and standoff distance, were evaluated across four façade orientations. Trade-offs were analysed using Pareto fronts to select optimal solutions for each façade scenario, balancing cooling load, heating load, and daylight.
Findings: Selective mesh application reduced energy demand by up to 20% (south), 19% (east), and 16.7% (west), while uniform application increased it by 20% due to high window-to-wall ratios. Heating remained the dominant energy load, highlighting the need to address thermal losses. The optimisation revealed trade-offs between energy and daylight performance, manageable based on a given project’s specific design goals and constraints.
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the architecture field by addressing underexplored mesh façade variables through a simulation-based optimisation framework. This enables architects to enhance façade design and performance during early digital modelling. It offers a practical method for improving energy and daylight outcomes based on orientation-specific strategies.
Research/Practical Implications: Findings support climate-responsive design and encourage further investigation into dynamic façades and broader performance metrics.
Keywords: Meshed Façade; Energy Demand; Daylight; Multi-Objective Optimisation; Genetic Algorithm; Building Performance Simulation; Grasshopper; Colibri.
Citation: Elhussein, S. (2025): The Multi-Objective Optimisation for Energy Consumption and Daylight of Office Buildings in London: Meshed Façade Energy Study. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 297-337.
