Lesson 1Criteria: speed, quality, cost control, sustainability, and constructabilityThis part defines criteria for picking systems and materials, covering speed, quality, cost, sustainability, and buildability, and shows weighting and recording trade-offs with matrices, standards, and risk checks in local contexts.
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 identifies key performance data for materials like U-values, fire ratings, embodied carbon, and installation rates, explaining sourcing, interpreting, and verifying values from standards, databases, and makers for Namibia.
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 analyses interior partitions and finishes, stressing lightweight prefab systems, acoustic and fire performance, service integration, and surface strength, considering sequence, tolerances, and future changes in builds.
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 reviews roofing systems like warm roofs, inverted roofs, green roofs, and membrane choices. It handles drainage, vapour control, wind uplift, and details at edges, openings, and links 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 part compares main structural systems—reinforced concrete, steel frame, mass timber, and hybrids—assessing spans, stiffness, fire behaviour, vibration, embodied carbon, and coordination 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 structural systems, listing benefits for speed and quality, common connection details, transport and erection 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 strategies, comparing insulation types, rainscreen setups, and insulated panels, focusing on thermal performance, moisture control, durability, and buildable details for various climates in Namibia.
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 selection, emphasising U-values, solar control, airtightness, and installation details. It explains frame options, spacer tech, and interface design to cut 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
