Literature Review on Building Envelope, Heating and ... - Beeshive.org

• The wind exposure of the non-problem envelopes was generally lower than that of the
problem envelopes.
• The absence of overhangs above walls in problem envelopes contributed to moisture
damage.
• The non-problem envelopes had fewer architectural features and details had flashing.
• All cladding types experienced performance problems, although more problems were
reported on stucco walls.
Key lessons from these failures included the following.
• The coastal climate requires greater attention to moisture management strategies:
deflection of façade moisture, drainage, and drying potential. Rain screen wall
assemblies have demonstrated acceptable wall moisture performance.
• It is essential to provide key details and improve their documentation (e.g., guidance
documents, larger-scale, project-specific information, and mock-ups).
• There needs to be better communication between designers and trade personnel.
The Best Practice Guide: Wood-Frame Envelopes in the Coastal Climate of British
Columbia (CMHC, 2001) is a resource on moisture management principles and practices
for wood frame construction in coastal climates characterized by a high frequency of
wind-driven rain. The guide addresses building science principles, behaviour and
limitations of wood materials, prevention of wood decay, controlling moisture sources,
and application of the rain screen principle to cladding. It also provides detailed drawings
showing moisture, air, and thermal control approaches for wood frame construction with
an emphasis on the intersection of building envelope components.
Indigenous Architecture
Cook (1996, Section 1.3, p. 279) defined indigenous architecture as sensitive to local
variants, such as a microclimate. Cook stated that it is “the human constructive parallel to
the Darwinian evolution of environmental fitness in the biological world.” The design
prepares for anticipated climate extremes. Every design aspect and each element of the
building contribute to the net environment of the living space.
As an indicator of climate adaptation, Cook reviewed the climate and examined examples
of indigenous architecture responses for the arctic, sub-arctic, and the maritime climates.
The arctic was defined as the areas north of the Arctic Circle (66º 33` north latitude),
while the sub-arctic includes areas south of the Arctic Circle. The arctic and sub-arctic
consist of four distinct biological regions or biomes:
• the uninhabitable frozen polar area and the glaciers that cover all of Greenland except
its coast;
PERD-079: Task 2 - <strong>Literature</strong> <strong>Review</strong> 42