Multilayered novel transparent wood glazing systems for enhanced energy performance and economic feasibility in green buildings

Glazings in modern architecture demand significant energy for thermal and visual comfort, highlighting the need for energy-efficient alternatives to traditional glazing. This study investigates Multi-layered Transparent Wood (MTW) glazings as a sustainable alternative to conventional glazing materials, focusing on their thermal performance and economic viability in the hot and dry climate of Vellore. This research aims to contribute to the limited existing literature on the solar optical properties of materials by conducting a comparative analysis of MTW variants fabricated from balsa, poplar, pine, and bamboo (MTW-1, MTW-2, MTW-3, and MTW-4) focusing specifically on their solar optical properties and the potential of MTW to lower energy consumption and carbon emissions while improving natural daylighting in buildings. The results indicate that MTW-4 achieved a notable reduction in solar thermal gain by 48.10% and a decrease in operating costs by 48.14%, equating to annual savings of $4,691 and a reduction of 6.21 tons of CO 2 emissions. Additionally, MTW-1 and MTW-2 displayed effective visible light transmittance, while the glazings made from balsa and poplar provided excellent natural lighting and color rendering indices. These findings highlight the promising potential of MTW as a sustainable and energy efficient building material.