Sun-Protected and Ventilated Service Core Enclosures for Passive Building Infrastructure

In mid- and high-rise buildings, service cores concentrate critical building systems—elevators, electrical risers, and emergency shafts—yet often lack active cooling. In 2025, a contractor in Singapore retrofitting a 22-floor hospital observed persistent overheating within its mechanical riser shafts. Fan retrofits were impossible due to noise concerns and fire code restrictions. We developed a sunshade-integrated, ventilated enclosure system for the core zones—100% passive, silent, and fully code-compliant.

1. Challenges in Shaft Zones Without Mechanical Cooling

Thermal layering in core zones causes temperature stratification. Conductive metal pipes and wiring heat adjacent air. According to ISO 52018, vertical enclosures must address solar and internal heat gains. The client required a low-profile, sealed panel system that blocked sun but enabled airflow without compromising on acoustic isolation.

2. Enclosure Panel and Vent Design Approach

Panels used 2.8 mm PVDF-coated aluminum sheets with external sunshade flanges of 120 mm. Airflow slits spaced every 300 mm allowed chimney convection. Behind the slits, an ASA-approved acoustic mat (ASA) prevented echo inside shafts. Wind uplift resistance was evaluated using ASCE 7. Finish options complied with Architectural Digest exterior panel guidelines.

3. Shaft Ventilation Without Electricity

The ventilation slots promoted upward thermal siphoning—no fans or ducts required. Internal thermography post-retrofit showed 21.5°C lower temps at the shaft top. ASTM D648 guided deformation resistance of panel under constant sunlight. Panels were mounted using non-penetrating steel frame clips with fire-retardant gaskets.

4. Project Reference Sites

The panel design drew from university riser retrofits, electrical trunking enclosures, and medical stairwell upgrades. All emphasized passive performance, long-term corrosion resistance, and visual neutrality in sensitive buildings.

5. Final Results and Next Steps

The panels reduced max core temperatures by 18°C. Humidity stabilized and metal pipe sweating ceased. Acoustic tests showed 3.8 dB less reverberation in shafts. Maintenance staff appreciated tool-less access points and dirt-shedding panel coatings. Future work includes complementary Acoustic Panels, Decorative Panels, and Anti-Slip Panels in base floor corridors.

📞 Contact Us

Tel/WhatsApp: +86 180 2733 7739
Email: [email protected]
Website: perforatedmetalpanel.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jintongperforatedmetal
LinkedIn: Andy Liu
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