The Details
Learners will be introduced to the concept of good building envelope design. They will be shown the significance of the building envelope in terms of energy efficiency, moisture management, and occupant comfort. The principles of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) will be explained and how these actions can impact building performance.
The different types of buildings and the typical materials used will be explained to learners. The role of each component in the building envelope and how they work together to provide insulation, weather resistance, and structural support will be discussed. Learners will be shown how to identify what materials are more sustainable than others and how to rank different types of insulation for better efficiency levels.
The course will discuss the importance of moisture management strategies to prevent water intrusion and mould growth. Clever energy-efficient design strategies will also be explained, such as minimising thermal bridging, air tightness, optimising insulation levels, and selecting high-performance windows and doors.
This session is led by Ian Brown, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, Construction and Environment.
Learning objectives
The module will introduce and define key terms such as:
- Insulation
- Air barrier
- Vapour/wind barrier
- Thermal bridging
- U-values
The module will also identify different materials used in building envelopes, as well as discussing moisture management and energy-efficient design strategies.
About Ian
Construction lecturer Ian Brown is a sustainable building expert and project manager with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. With a keen eye on the future, his interests include straw bale construction, building from waste material, and drawing inspiration from the shapes and forms of nature.
He is currently a Senior Lecturer within the construction portfolio subjects for the School of Architecture, Construction and Environment at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). Ian is also an active supporter of Straw Building UK (formerly Straw Bale Building UK) with particular interest in teaching students that nature can inform future design and that eco building projects are a sustainable alternative to traditional methods of construction.
English (UK) 
Cymraeg 