No modern building can function properly if the design program and construction detailing fails to account for the thermal and moisture dynamics of the building envelope and its relation to the internal and external environment. This class will be an in-depth building science investigation of hygrothermal issues, including steady-state heat loss, internal and external heat gains, wind & solar radiant impacts, temperature gradients within the building envelope and the effect of relative humidity, air convection and mean radiant temperature on human comfort. This will be the context to explore the often misunderstood issues around indoor and outdoor moisture, moisture migration through the building envelope, moisture storage (or buffering) capacity of materials, effects of relative humidity within the thermal envelope and inside the building, and moisture control methods that minimize mold, rot, corrosion and warping while optimizing durability of the structure and human comfort.

Course start time: Saturday, 9am
Course end time: Sunday, 5pm

Competency Level: Intermediate to Professional
AIA credits: 14 — Qualifies for HSW and SD requirements.