Overview
APST 470: Building Envelope and Assemblies focuses on the application of building science principles to the design of building enclosures. This course examines various elements that mediate between the interior and exterior environments, both above and below the ground, in manners appropriate to their intended function and performance. Case studies of building enclosures and their components illustrate the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of building materials and building processes. Wall sections and other building details are used to identify strategies to achieve sustainable and high-performance buildings in various climates.
Outline
Part One: Principles of Building Envelope Design
- Unit 1: Building Envelope Design Basics
- Unit 2: Management of Heat, Air, and Water Vapour
Part Two: Detailed Building Design – Wall Systems
- Unit 3: Management of Water Movement
- Unit 4: Rainscreen Wall Assemblies with Heavyweight Cladding
- Unit 5: Rainscreen Wall Assemblies with Lightweight Cladding
- Unit 6: Glazed Curtain Wall Assemblies
- Unit 7: Wall Assemblies: Other Wall Systems and Elements
Part Three: Detailed Building Design – Other Systems
- Unit 8: Windows and Doors
- Unit 9: Roof Assemblies
- Unit 10: Managing Building Movement and Connections I
- Unit 11: Managing Building Movement and Connections II
- Unit 12: Construction Documents and Specifications
Learning outcomes
After you have completed APST 470, you should be able to
- design a complete high-performance building envelope system, at a conceptual level, for a given set of conditions.
- design a building envelope assembly through the application of qualitative and quantitative analysis of proposed performance.
- evaluate methods and materials of construction in a range of applications.
- illustrate the appropriate application of construction materials and methods for a range of building design scenarios.
- evaluate existing buildings’ conditions and identify methods for their improvement.
You will find that the assignments and the focus questions in this course are formulated to challenge you to respond in a manner that demonstrates the ability and level of understanding stipulated in these overall objectives.
Evaluation
To receive credit for APST 470, you must achieve a minimum overall grade of C+ (67 percent) for the entire course. To be certified by the CACB, you must achieve and maintain a final grade point average of 2.3 (67 percent) or greater.
The weightings for each component are as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 20% |
| Assignment 2 | 20% |
| Assignment 3 | 20% |
| Assignment 4 | 20% |
| Assignment 5 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Brock, L. (2015). Designing the exterior wall: An architectural guide to the vertical envelope. Wiley.