Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title><jats:p>Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>) coatings can potentially address the current surge in façade cleaning cost, maintenance and labour problems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential maintainability issues and design challenges concerning the effective performance of TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>façade coatings’ hydrophilic properties, especially in tropical environments such as Singapore. This paper aims to establish a list of green maintainability design criteria to help minimise future TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>façade coating issues when this coating is applied on commercial buildings with concrete and stonemasonry façade materials.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title><jats:p>A mixed-mode approach that includes a literature review, site investigation, instrumental case studies and expert interviews is used in this study.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title><jats:p>TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>coatings help improve façade performance whilst offering environmental benefits to society. This study reports that green maintainability design criteria are vital requirements in designing sustainable buildings at the outset. The identified defects and issues will aid in ensuring the effectiveness of TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>application in building façades.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title><jats:p>This study acts as a foundation for future researchers to strengthen this little researched area, serves as a useful guide in preventing possible TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>coating issues and promotes industry awareness of the use of TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>façade coatings.</jats:p></jats:sec>