Parametric embodied carbon and thermal analysis in façade design

In recent decades, façades have become central to building design, significantly shaping aesthetics and enabling complex architectural forms. However, as façade complexity increases, so do the technical and performance challenges associated with their design. Addressing these challenges early in the design process is crucial, as early decisions impact up to 80% of the total cost. The preliminary stages of design, while crucial, are often marked by variability and require precise analysis and coordination across disciplines. Despite the importance of this phase, there is a notable lack of scalable, flexible, and multidisciplinary parametric tools to support façade engineering. GRETA, a parametric Grasshopper-based application, seeks to fill this gap. Inspired by automotive configurators, GRETA enables designers to customize and analyse curtain walling façade, adjusting features such as layout, size, material, and component performance. The tool performs real-time thermal and carbon content analyses within Grasshopper, providing 3D visualizations that architects can use for further design integration. The tool is designed to replace manual methods, automating analyses and addressing the daily challenges faced by designers. GRETA can significantly reduce thermal analysis time by up to 85%, promoting a flexible, performance-oriented design methodology aligned with current industry trends.