Building the Envelope: High-Performance, Low-Carbon Assemblies

1.5 units

This hands-on building technology elective explores the design of high-performance, low-carbon wall assemblies at the cutting edge of contemporary architectural practice. Students will investigate how material choices, thermal performance, embodied carbon, moisture durability, construction sequencing, and architectural expression come together in the design of building envelopes. The course moves from assembly research, technical detailing, and simplified performance analysis to the construction of physical wall prototypes that make visible the layers, connections, sequencing, and material relationships behind high-performance building envelope design. Working individually, students will develop assembly research, basic thermal performance calculations, control layer diagrams, and focused thermal or carbon comparisons that deepen their understanding of material and performance decisions. Working as a team, students will coordinate the design, documentation, material selection, and construction sequence for a physical wall assembly mockup. Together, the mockups will compare distinct approaches to high-performance, low-carbon construction and allow students to examine how different assemblies balance operational performance, embodied carbon, durability, constructability, and architectural intent. The course connects building technology, sustainable design, material systems, fabrication, and the relationship between architectural ideas and constructed work.