A

David

Darling

building envelope

building envelope

The envelope of a building, also called the building shell, includes the structural elements of a building that encloses a conditioned space. The building envelope is the structure that separates and protects the building's occupants from outdoor conditions. It's a major factor in determining a building's energy use.

 

The components that make up a building envelope include:

 

  • Fenestration: windows, doors, and skylights
  • Insulation
  • Foundation
  • Wall systems
  • Roofing
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    Innovative building envelope technologies currently under development will make tomorrow's buildings more efficient, durable, comfortable, and adaptable than ever. It's also important that these materials and products ultimately complement a whole-building design approach.