Course Catalog High-Performance Building Enclosures

High-Performance Enclosure Fundamentals


To achieve a high-performance building that will ensure the safety and well-being of the occupants, you need to design a building enclosure that keeps the outside out and the inside in. This session will demonstrate how the building enclosure acts as an environmental separator between the inside and outside of a building.

You’ll discover why newer building designs and materials have an increased risk of moisture penetration that requires new approaches to enclosure design. By discussing the enclosure’s basic functions of support, control, and finish, you’ll learn how you can apply fundamental concepts of building science to design high-performance building enclosures with enhanced building comfort.

You’ll also explore the changing expectations of building performance as well as key trends that impact design and construction decisions.

What you’ll learn

  1. Recognize how the building enclosure acts as an environmental separator between the inside and outside of a building.
  2. Identify three basic functions of the building enclosure that serve to ensure the safety and well-being of building occupants.
  3. Explain how fundamental building science concepts can be applied to high-performance enclosure design.
  4. Describe recent changes to building performance expectations and key trends that impact building design and construction, particularly to address challenges presented by the climate crisis.

High-performance buildings depend on well-designed enclosures. RDH’s building enclosure course options covers core building science and high-performance design strategies to help practitioners manage water, air, vapor, and thermal performance, reducing risk and improving durability across a wide range of building types and climates. Take each course individually or build your own series.

  • Role Architect/Designer Contractor/Builder Product/System Manufacturer
  • Level Introductory
  • Duration 1 hour

Technical Expertise. Real-World Impact.

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