Technically defined as the vertical element forming the external envelope of a building, the external wall includes several structural and non-structural components, namely external cladding, a weather-resistive barrier, framing, insulation, and internal lining.

Together, these components are responsible for loadbearing capacity, environmental separation, fire resistance and architectural expression, and more. They influence outcomes in terms of energy use, acoustics, condensation, permeability, weatherproofing and thermal comfort, and are therefore critically important to overall building performance.

At the same time, the external wall – and these various components – must comply with all relevant regulatory requirements, along with broader project objectives. They must satisfy a range of stakeholders.

For these reasons, attempting to pick and choose external wall components separately from different suppliers is not advisable. Rather, specifiers would do well to take a ‘whole of wall approach’ to the specification of high-performance building envelopes.

In this session of CPD Live, we outline the benefits of this approach. Examining the performance requirements for external wall systems, our speakers highlight examples of complete assemblies that successfully balance compliance with efficiency.

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

Outline the structural and non-structural components that make up external wall systems
Identify the various options of this kind currently on the market
Outline all the relevant regulatory requirements associated with the specification of external wall systems in Australia
Explain the benefits of taking a ‘whole of wall approach’ when it comes to building envelopes

AACA NSCA Competency Standards related to this session:

PC 28 – PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
PC 39 – DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION
PC 41 – DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION
PC 56 – DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

Architecture & Design Team

Rondo

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