Lesson 1Criteria: speed, quality, cost control, sustainability, and constructabilityThis part defines selection criteria for systems and materials like speed, quality, cost, sustainability, and buildability, showing how to weigh and record trade-offs with tables, standards, and risk checks.
Program 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 part spots key material performance data like U-values, fire ratings, embodied carbon, and install rates, explaining how to get, read, and verify values from standards, databases, and makers.
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 part reviews interior partitions and finishes, stressing light prefab systems, sound and fire performance, service fitting, and surface strength, considering order, tolerances, and future changes.
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 part looks at roofing systems like warm roofs, inverted roofs, green roofs, and membrane choices, covering drainage, vapor control, wind lift, and details at edges, holes, and parapet-facade joins.
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 part compares main structural systems—reinforced concrete, steel frame, mass timber, and hybrids—checking spans, stiffness, fire action, vibration, embodied carbon, and fit with envelopes, cores, and 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 part explores precast and modular structures, listing benefits for speed and quality, usual connection details, transport and setup limits, tolerances, and coordination with foundations and 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 part examines envelope material plans, comparing insulation types, rainscreen setups, and insulated panels, stressing thermal performance, moisture control, durability, and buildable details for various climates.
Insulation types and thermal propertiesContinuous insulation and thermal bridgingRainscreen cladding layers and airflowInsulated metal and sandwich panel systemsMoisture, vapor, and condensation controlLesson 8Window and glazing selection: thermal performance (U-values), air-tightness, installation detailingThis part covers window and glazing picks, focusing on U-values, solar control, airtightness, and install details, explaining frame choices, spacer tech, and join design to cut condensation, leaks, and heat loss.
Glazing build-ups and low-e coatingsU-values, SHGC, and climate responseFrame materials and thermal breaksAir and water tightness testingPerimeter flashing and sill detailing
