6 – Advanced building skin

This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of reflective coatings (cool roofs) available on the market, explaining their possible application in new and existing buildings and their potential to increase the energy efficiency of buildings along with reducing urban heat island effect. Different technological solutions to integrate vegetable species as cladding systems for internal and external walls (green walls) are discussed, and the most innovative techniques are illustrated in detail. Lastly, a section on the state of research and future developments in environment-adaptive skin facades is presented.