Level 213 lessons · 136 min
Buildings & the Building Envelope
Fabric, air-tightness, thermal bridging and glazing (U-values, g-values, low-E) — controlling loads at source.
01Envelope Design & Heat Loss
- ▶Fabric Performance & U-ValuesHow building elements lose heat; U-value targets for new and retrofit; cost-benefit.11 min
- ▶Air-Tightness & InfiltrationAir leakage routes; testing (blower door); infiltration losses; design strategies to minimize.10 min
- ▶Thermal Bridging in BuildingsCold spots at structure, fixtures; impact on temperature, condensation, and overall efficiency.10 min
- ▶Envelope Design CheckQuiz on fabric, air-tightness, and thermal bridging.5 min
02Windows, Glazing & Solar Performance
- ▶Window Types & Frame PerformanceSingle, double, triple glazing; frame materials (uPVC, aluminium, wood); U-value ranges.10 min
- ▶Low-E Coatings & Solar ControlLow-E to reduce radiative heat loss; solar control coatings; seasonal strategy (winter vs summer).10 min
- ▶Solar Heat Gain & g-ValueSolar factor (g-value); east/west/south orientation; shading strategies (blinds, overhangs).10 min
- ▶Glazing CheckQuiz on glazing types, coatings, and solar performance.5 min
03Retrofit Strategies & Sequencing
- ▶Energy Retrofit ApproachInsulation first, then systems; payback-driven sequencing; cost-benefit analysis.10 min
- ▶Adding Insulation to Existing BuildingsInternal vs external; solid wall vs cavity; cost and disruption trade-offs.10 min
- ▶Window & Door ReplacementPayback for single to double/triple conversion; cost per m²; bundling with other work.10 min
- ▶Retrofit Strategy CheckQuiz on retrofit approaches and economics.5 min