Building Envelope Systems Overview

How well a house retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer.

The ability of a building's exterior to resist temperature extremes, moisture, dust, and wind, and keep weather elements out.

Preventing water damage and decay in the building's structure by keeping weather elements from getting trapped inside.

An imaginary line that helps create symmetry or asymmetry in a design.

Balanced shapes and spaces on both sides of a central line (or center) or plane in a design.

Creating visual importance based on size, shape, and placement of elements in a design.

Repeated elements to create visual movement in a design.

A line, plane, or volume for measuring and organizing form in a design.

Protecting the foundation from water damage by applying a waterproof layer like asphalt or membrane.

A system of pipes and gravel around the foundation to collect and divert water away from the building.

Material used to reduce heat transfer through the walls, keeping the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Components that protect the house from the elements, including shingles, sheathing, and sometimes insulation.

The transparent panels in windows, doors, and skylights that allow light to enter.

The entire exterior surface of a building (walls, doors, windows) enclosing the interior space.

Methods and techniques used to design a building's exterior that keeps water out, controls heat, and minimizes problems.

Water entering the building envelope causing problems such as mold and mildew.

Issues with the building exterior, leading to multiple problems, like water damage, wind damage, high energy costs, and maintenance problems.

Problems related to the design, construction, and materials that can cause liability for architects, builders, or owners.

Maintaining a stable temperature inside the building through the building's exterior.

Potential risks and responsibilities for architects, engineers, or owners related to issues with the building envelope.

Important design principle in designing the building exterior, emphasizing how the outside looks.

Differences in building envelope requirements even with identical environments based on sun exposure, terrain, and direction.

Importance of seeking help from professionals with expertise in building envelopes for successful design.

A series of systems (walls, roofs, fenestration) within the building envelope that regulate environmental interaction.

Building parts that don't allow light to pass through, e.g., walls, roofs, slabs.

Components that allow light into the building, including windows, skylights, and doors.

Structural role – the envelope must withstand forces (both internal & external).

Regulating exchanges like water, air, heat between inside and outside.

Aesthetic role – making the building pleasing to look at.

The structural component transferring building loads to the ground.

The space inside a building, encompassing occupants, objects, and systems like HVAC.

The amount of energy used by a building, often substantial (e.g., 36% of national energy use in 2010).

The ability of a building to prevent air from entering or leaving.

Measures to prevent moisture from entering a building to reduce load on AC and maintain good indoor air quality.

A material that prevents moisture from entering walls by hindering water vapor transmission.

Layers of materials that form the building envelope, protecting interior spaces from the environment.

Continuous membranes sealing joints between walls and window/door frames to enhance airtightness.

High humidity increases the burden on AC systems and negatively impacts indoor air quality.

Building codes promoting efficient practices, design, and technology to reduce energy consumption.

Systems like HVAC responsible for 50-70% of building energy usage.