Understanding building physics is critical to proper building envelope design. This course takes a relatively complex subject and reduces it to a level that teaches practical concepts for the building designer. This course will examine how various cladding systems perform across different climate zones and applications. Basic concepts including environmental control layers and hygrothermal loads are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the concept of the “Perfect/Universal Wall”, and how utilizing the proper sequence of wall components can greatly simplify wall design in all climate zones. Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are a unique form of the “Perfect/Universal Wall”, and we will investigate how they perform the same functions as multi-component systems, simplifying wall system design and installation.


Learning Objectives

  • Analyze the natural forces of hygrothermal loads (heat and moisture) acting on building envelopes and design considerations for controlling and effects of environmental loads.
  • Examine the thermal control differences between cavity insulation and exterior rigid insulation.
  • Explore proper building envelopes by providing control layer continuity at transitions.
  • Analyze the concept of how IMPs function as “Perfect/Universal Walls” and perform the same functions as multi-component wall systems.
  • Discover the performance advantages of integrated window systems and how they provide control layer continuity.

Pre-requisite: None.