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For instance, closed cell foam insulation has an R-value of 6.5 per inch and also acts as an air and moisture barrier. ![]() Ro recommends looking for a higher R-value per inch of material. "That metal stud or metal girt will act as a thermal bridge same as a non-thermally broken aluminum mullion." Insulation with a tested R-value is meaningless if it is interrupted by metal study every 2 feet." And, she adds, it is important to be mindful of all instances of thermal bridging. "Not only is this good practice, but it is required by code. ![]() "Continuous insulation with no interruptions is important in reducing heating and cooling loads," Ro explains. And getting our air barriers and vapor barriers in the correct location, depending on the climate that we're in." "It has to have a continuity throughout the entire envelope of the building," he says. When it comes to choosing the proper insulation for a high-performance building envelope, Pastine says he is looking for something that is going to perform well over time and won't break down. The next best solution is often the most expensive-automated exterior blinds, for instance." "Often, the best solutions-such as limiting fenestration on these façades- isn't always an option. "Solar heat gain and glare control on the east and west façades can be challenging," explain Court and Hanford. And, they note, working with the mechanical and electrical systems to integrate the envelope's performance with system selection and sizing is also important. "Access to natural light and ventilation while controlling for glare are high priorities," they add. While energy efficiency is the primary goal, Court and Hanford say occupant comfort is just as important. "The goal is to reduce the heating and cooling loads." "In a mixed climate, we depend on mechanical systems to provide a comfortable indoor environment most days of the year," Ro explains. The climate determines the strategy in designing the building envelope. "Once that is determined specifically, we have to respond to the very local environment on the site, such as the building's orientation, adjacent buildings near it, the temperature it's going to function in, etc." "Is it going to be hot and dry? Is it going to be cold and wet? Is it going to be wintery? Is there going to be huge rains?" he asks. While understanding the climate is a good starting point, Pastine says it's important to know how much a building is going to have to be insulated, and what kind of environment it's going to be in. In colder climates, the building envelope reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the building, while in hotter climates, it can reduce the amount of energy needed for cooling. Where a building is located plays a role in how the building envelope is designed. Then, in design development, you consider material selection, solar shading and daylighting strategies." "This means, starting in the schematic phase, you consider passive strategies that would affect performance-building orientation, solar exposure, climate. Next is airtightness, since undesired infiltration affects long-term durability through moisture control, HVAC sizing, energy efficiency and occupant comfort.Ī high-performance building envelope should employ sustainable strategies to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for the building occupant, adds Ruth Ro, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, associate principal at New York City-based Dattner Architects. #High performance building envelope systems windows#In addition to good windows and fenestration design, Brian Court, AIA, partner, and Jim Hanford, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, principal, at Miller Hull Partnership, Seattle, say balancing heat loss, solar control, daylighting and glare is essential. The key is "Getting those two elements to function together to provide the best environment possible for the end user of the building," he says. #High performance building envelope systems skin#For James Pastine, project manager and project designer at Crawford Architects, Kansas City, Mo., the essential elements of a high-performance building envelope are the combination of the building skin and the openings in it. The design of the building envelope can determine the amount of lighting, heating or cooling it will need. Creating a high-performance building envelope means each piece is designed to minimize the transfer of thermal energy, which in turn creates an energy-efficient or tight building. The building envelope acts as a thermal barrier, playing an important role in regulating interior temperatures and determining the amount of energy required for optimal thermal comfort. ![]() The building envelope is made up of many different components: roof, walls, windows, doors, etc. ![]()
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