Lesson 1Criteria: speed, quality, cost control, sustainability, and constructabilityThis section defines criteria for selecting systems and materials, including speed, quality, cost, sustainability, and constructability, and shows how to weight and document trade-offs using matrices, benchmarks, and risk assessments.
Programme and speed of constructionQuality control and defect reductionCapital, lifecycle, and operating costsEmbodied carbon and circularityConstructability, risk, and site constraintsLesson 2Material performance data and sources: where to find U-values, embodied carbon ranges, installation ratesThis section identifies key performance data for materials, such as U-values, fire ratings, embodied carbon, and installation rates, and explains how to source, interpret, and cross-check values from standards, databases, and manufacturers.
Thermal, acoustic, and fire data basicsEmbodied carbon factors and databasesManufacturer datasheets and caveatsCodes, standards, and test reportsBenchmarking and sanity-checking dataLesson 3Interior partitions and finishes: lightweight prefabricated partitions, acoustic and fire performanceThis section analyses interior partitions and finishes, emphasizing lightweight prefabricated systems, acoustic and fire performance, integration of services, and surface durability, while considering sequencing, tolerances, and future adaptability.
Stud, track, and board partition typesAcoustic ratings and detailing methodsFire resistance, linings, and sealsIntegration of services and openingsDurability, impact, and maintenanceLesson 4Roofing systems: warm roof assemblies, green roofs, membrane selection and detailingThis section reviews roofing systems, including warm roofs, inverted roofs, green roofs, and membrane options. It addresses drainage, vapour control, wind uplift, and detailing at edges, penetrations, and interfaces with parapets and facades.
Warm and inverted roof build-upsSingle-ply and multi-ply membranesGreen roof layers and loadingDrainage falls and outlet detailingParapet, edge, and penetration detailsLesson 5Comparative selection of main structural systems: reinforced concrete, steel frame, mass timber, hybridThis section compares main structural systems—reinforced concrete, steel frame, mass timber, and hybrids—evaluating spans, stiffness, fire behaviour, vibration, embodied carbon, and coordination with envelopes, cores, and building services.
Reinforced concrete frames and slabsSteel frames, bracing, and composite decksMass timber frames and panel systemsHybrid steel, concrete, and timber optionsSpan, vibration, and service integrationLesson 6Precast and modular structural options: benefits, connections, and tolerancesThis section explores precast and modular structural systems, outlining benefits for speed and quality, typical connection details, transport and erection constraints, tolerances, and coordination needs with foundations and building services.
Precast floor and wall system typesFactory production and quality controlConnection hardware and joint detailingTolerances, camber, and fit-up issuesTransport, lifting, and site logisticsLesson 7Envelope material choices: high-performance insulation, rainscreen systems, insulated panelsThis section examines envelope material strategies, comparing insulation types, rainscreen assemblies, and insulated panels, with emphasis on thermal performance, moisture control, durability, and constructible detailing for different climates.
Insulation types and thermal propertiesContinuous insulation and thermal bridgingRainscreen cladding layers and airflowInsulated metal and sandwich panel systemsMoisture, vapour, and condensation controlLesson 8Window and glazing selection: thermal performance (U-values), air-tightness, installation detailingThis section covers window and glazing selection, focusing on U-values, solar control, airtightness, and installation detailing. It explains frame choices, spacer technologies, and interface design to limit condensation, leaks, and thermal bridging.
Glazing build-ups and low-e coatingsU-values, SHGC, and climate responseFrame materials and thermal breaksAir and water tightness testingPerimeter flashing and sill detailing
