Synergistic Impact of External Shading and Solar Control Films on Thermal Comfort and Natural Lighting in High-Rise Office Buildings in Jakarta

Abstract

In tropical megacities like Jakarta, where high-rise commercial buildings dominate the skyline, managing solar heat gain while ensuring adequate natural lighting is a persistent architectural and environmental challenge. This study explores the synergistic application of external shading systems and solar control films as a dual strategy to optimize thermal comfort and daylight performance in high-rise office buildings. By integrating passive shading elements with spectrally selective window films, buildings can reduce indoor operative temperatures, cut cooling energy demand, and improve visual comfort without sacrificing daylight autonomy. Through simulation-based modeling using EnergyPlus and Radiance on a 30-story tower in Jakarta’s Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), the research evaluates three façade scenarios: base case, shading-only, and shading combined with solar control films. Results indicate that the combined strategy reduces annual cooling loads by up to 29%, improves thermal comfort conditions (PMV +0.4; PPD 8%), and maintains high daylight usability. Moreover, this integrated approach demonstrates favorable payback periods and aligns well with Jakarta’s green building regulations and international certification frameworks such as LEED and Greenship. The findings advocate for wider adoption of layered façade interventions as part of sustainable urban design and energy-efficiency retrofitting in Southeast Asian tropical climates.