Westfassaden

Westfassaden is a German term used in architecture to refer to the western façades of buildings. In architectural practice, the orientation of façades influences daylight, heat gain, and user comfort. The west facade receives the strongest solar radiation in the afternoon and often exhibits higher heat loads in warm climates, which shapes design choices such as glazing types, shading devices, and materials. Designers employ strategies like external louvers, overhangs, adjustable shutters, or high-insulation glazing to control glare and cooling demand while maintaining daylight. Material choices range from reflective or light-colored finishes to durable cladding that resists solar weathering. Urban design considerations include the effect of late-day light on street aesthetics, shadow patterns, and the rhythm of the built environment.

In energy-efficient and passive-house contexts, the west facade is typically optimized with a combination of insulation, air-tightness, and sometimes ventilated facade systems to minimize cooling needs. Building codes in many German-speaking regions address facade performance, including solar protection and energy certificates. The concept can also appear in architectural criticism as a focus for how late-afternoon light is captured or mitigated in design.

The term Westfassaden may refer generically to western facades or to a specific project or initiative named Westfassaden; additional context is needed to identify a particular case.