Applying the building enclosure control layers concept helps you to solve design problems, improve building performance, and reduce long-term building enclosure durability risks. Once you’re familiar with each enclosure control layer type, its function, and common materials, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice! During this workshop, RDH will lead you through an evaluation of a series of building enclosure hand sketches that represent a variety of building typologies. Using an accompanying workbook that was custom designed to align with the workshop delivery, you’ll follow along with the instructor to complete activities and practice the methodologies discussed during the workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to put pen to paper to identify and trace control layers, consider how real-world design or constructability needs may change your decisions, and receive feedback on your control layer approach.
What you’ll learn
- Define the four primary building enclosure control layers: water, air, thermal, and water vapor.
- Relate common building products and materials to each control layer.
- Demonstrate continuity of control layers on common building enclosure details.
- Compare and contrast control layer solutions to refine your understanding of the building enclosure.
- Anticipate design and constructability conflicts and their impact on how the building enclosure manages enclosure loads.
- Explain design/detail improvements that better support control layer continuity and related enclosure performance.
