Evaluation of daylighting performance and glare control of silica aerogel-based glazing systems in office buildings in Tehran

This study investigates the performance of silica aerogel-based glazing systems as a sustainable solution for enhancing daylighting, glare control and energy efficiency in building design. A simulation-based analysis compares two aerogel glazing systems (GS1 and GS2) with traditional clear glazing in terms of daylight metrics and glare reduction. The results indicate that while the reference room achieved 77% Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), GS1 and GS2 reduced it to 57% and 49%, respectively. However, despite this reduction, the sDA value for GS1 exceeds the 55% threshold defined by LEED v4.1, qualifying as acceptable, while GS2 remains slightly below but still relatively close to the standard. Despite this decrease, these systems effectively controlled glare, reducing unbearable glare occurrence from 8% in the reference room to 3% (GS1) and 1% (GS2). Additionally, neither GS1 nor GS2 experienced overexposure (Annual Sunshine Exposure >1000 lx for over 250 h), unlike the reference room (27%). These findings suggest that silica aerogel glazing improves visual comfort and thermal performance while mitigating excessive daylight exposure, making it a viable option for sustainable building design, particularly in regions with high solar radiation.