On February 20, 2025, SOM Design Partner Scott Duncan took the stage at Zak World of Façades Australia in Sydney to present “Explorations in Structural Skins and Carbon Reduction.” The event brought together industry leaders to discuss advancements in high-performance façade design, emphasizing the critical role of both operational and embodied energy in sustainable architecture.
For decades, advancements in façade technology have focused on improving operational energy performance—optimizing daylighting, solar shading, and thermal transmission to reduce heating, cooling, and lighting demands. However, as we push toward more sustainable architecture, embodied energy—the carbon footprint associated with material sourcing, fabrication, and installation—must also be a core design consideration.
In his presentation, Duncan highlighted SOM’s latest research and projects that merge structure and skin to create hybridized systems. By integrating structural and envelope components, these innovative designs reduce material redundancy, improve efficiency, and significantly lower the carbon footprint of buildings. He underscored the need for a holistic approach in façade design, where each material and design decision is evaluated based on its carbon impact and energy performance.
The presentation reinforced SOM’s commitment to innovation in sustainable design, demonstrating how advanced materials and engineering innovations can lead to high-performance skins that optimize energy use while minimizing embodied carbon.