Energy and thermal performance of double-skin facades across climate zones: a systematic review

Existing double-skin façade (DSF) reviews are limited in climate coverage, typology scope, and methodological rigor, leaving climate-stratified performance evidence fragmented. This study systematically reviews DSF energy, thermal, and comfort performance across Köppen–Geiger climate zones, covering conventional typologies (multi-storey, corridor, box-window, shaft-box) and emerging systems (slim, PV-integrated, and AI/ML-enabled façades). Following PRISMA 2020, a validated Boolean search of Scopus and Web of Science yielded 775 records, of which 134 studies met the eligibility criteria after independent dual-reviewer screening (κ = 0.82). Studies were organized into six analytical themes, with risk-of-bias assessment prioritizing lower-risk, better-validated evidence in the synthesis. Performance was strongly climate-dependent. Multi-storey DSFs in temperate climates were most often associated with energy reductions of 18–66%, while corridor and box-window configurations in arid and cold climates were associated with cooling-load reductions of 15–40% and heating-load reductions of 6–34%. PV-integrated DSFs showed HVAC demand reductions of 12–26% for standard multi-mode systems, while BIPV/T systems approached net-zero envelope contribution on a net site-energy basis. AI/ML-based control reported substantial reductions in individual case studies. Because reporting bases, accounting scopes, and baselines vary, these figures are indicative trends, not directly comparable design benchmarks. Most studies were simulation-based and excluded real occupants; research is concentrated in temperate and continental climates, and publication bias likely favors high-performing designs. The findings support matching typology and control strategy to climate, with adjustable multi-mode systems for hot/humid climates and deeper, partitioned cavities for cold climates. Future work should develop standardized, lifecycle-inclusive evaluation frameworks validated through occupant-informed, long-term monitoring.