Skins: The Importance of the Thermal Envelope  

The building skin is the critical interface between occupant comfort and outdoor climatic conditions. A high performance building requires a high performance envelope, one that responds to exterior environmental impacts at various times of the year. This session will explore design, material and technology approaches to wall and window assemblies, from straightforward low cost methods to advanced double skinned wall applications. We will also address moisture issues associated with various wall insulation approaches.

AIA+2030 Learning Objectives:

• Identify critical elements of the thermal envelope responsible for building energy consumption.
• Specify strategies for minimizing thermal bridging.
• Understand the architectural elements, materials, and construction opportunities for designing a high performance thermal envelope.