APST 470 is intended for students enrolled in the BSc (Architecture) program at the RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University. For students interested in pursuing a career as a registered architect, this course also contributes to the RAIC Syllabus Diploma.
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
Brock, L. (2015). Designing the exterior wall: An architectural guide to the vertical envelope. Wiley. (eText)
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.