The Building Envelope

The Building Envelope is defined as the assembly of materials that creates the boundary between the interior living space of your home and the exterior environment.

• The layers on the outside of this system tend to be primarily focused on keeping water off and away from the home.
• The middle components typically include the structural members as well as the insulation system.
• The inner-most layers are the finishes you actually see, touch, and experience while in your home.

When designed and installed properly these layers all come together to create a wall, floor, or roof system that regulates:

• Moisture - all forms (bulk, vapor, and capillary)
• Air-leakage (tighter the better)
• Heat transfer (more resistive the better)

We'll advise you on appropriate systems & performance considerations for your house, based on your architectural, budgetary, and/or environmental preferences.

Where is Your Thermal Boundary?

There are a variety of ways to define your home's thermal boundary. Which makes the most sense? When we evaluate and design your home's thermal envelope system, we let the house tell us where the boundary should be. Different approaches can be taken depending on the architectural details, framing strategies, ductwork location, electrical and lighting details, and storage needs.

There are a variety of insulation types and manufacturers out there. We understand how each type works, and what makes the most sense in different situations. We'll work with you to define a thermal envelope system that provides an air-tight, well insulated thermal envelope that fits your budget.