Lesson 1Criteria: speed, quality, cost control, sustainability, and constructabilityThis section defines selection criteria for systems and materials like speed, quality, cost, sustainability, and ease of building, showing how to weigh trade-offs with matrices, standards, and risk checks for local use.
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 section identifies key material data like U-values, fire ratings, embodied carbon, and install rates, explaining sourcing, interpreting, and verifying from standards, databases, and makers for Nigerian applications.
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 analyzes interior partitions and finishes, stressing lightweight prefab systems, sound and fire performance, service integration, and durability, considering sequence, tolerances, and adaptability for 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 section reviews roofing like warm roofs, inverted roofs, green roofs, and membranes, covering drainage, vapor control, wind resistance, and details at edges, openings, and parapets for tropical climates.
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 structures—reinforced concrete, steel frame, mass timber, hybrids—assessing spans, stiffness, fire, vibration, carbon, and coordination with envelopes, cores, and services in local contexts.
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 structures, benefits for speed and quality, connection details, transport limits, tolerances, and coordination with foundations and services for Nigerian sites.
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 strategies, comparing insulation, rainscreen, and panels, emphasizing thermal performance, moisture control, durability, and detailing for various Nigerian climates and conditions.
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 section covers window and glazing choices, focusing on U-values, solar control, airtightness, and install details, explaining frames, spacers, and interfaces to prevent condensation, leaks, and 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
