Double-Skin Facades for Thermal Resilience in Luxury Hotels: Evidence From Abuja, Nigeria

This study evaluates double-skin facade (DSF) systems for thermal resilience in luxury hotels in Abuja, Nigeria. The study responds to high cooling demand associated with solar exposure and elevated temperatures in tropical hospitality buildings and limited evidence on DSF application in Nigeria. An analytical approach combined literature synthesis with a structured assessment of built-environment professionals’ knowledge, perceived integration, adoption barriers, and enabling factors. Four DSF configurations box-window, corridor, shaft-box, and multi-storey were examined in relation to airflow, solar control, thermal buffering, and ventilation. The assessment indicates that DSFs can moderate heat transfer and support thermal comfort when cavity ventilation, shading, glazing, and building services are appropriately coordinated. Professional knowledge was predominantly moderate, while advanced control and adaptive cavity concepts showed lower familiarity. Perceived integration of complete DSF systems in Abuja hotels was limited, whereas individual components such as low-emissivity glazing and solar shading were more widely recognised. High upfront cost, first-cost decision-making, specialised expertise, and integration complexity were the principal barriers. Early interdisciplinary coordination, life-cycle cost assessment, high-performance glazing, staff training, and commissioning were identified as important enabling conditions. The study concludes that climate-responsive DSF systems warrant context-specific evaluation for Abuja’s luxury hospitality sector, supported by local performance monitoring and capacity development