Lesson 1Criteria: speed, quality, cost control, sustainability, and constructabilityThis section sets criteria for picking systems and materials, including speed, quality, cost, green living, and buildability, and shows how to weigh and record trade-offs using tables, standards, and risk checks.
Programme and build speedQuality control and fault reductionCapital, life, and running costsEmbodied carbon and circle livingBuildability, risk, and site limitsLesson 2Material performance data and sources: where to find U-values, embodied carbon ranges, installation ratesThis section spots key performance data for materials, like U-values, fire ratings, embodied carbon, and fitting rates, and explains how to get, read, and cross-check values from rules, databases, and makers.
Heat, sound, and fire data basicsEmbodied carbon factors and databasesMaker sheets and warningsRules, standards, and test reportsStandard checking and sense-checking dataLesson 3Interior partitions and finishes: lightweight prefabricated partitions, acoustic and fire performanceThis section looks at inside partitions and finishes, stressing light pre-made systems, sound and fire work, service joining, and surface lasting, while thinking of order, allowances, and future changes.
Stud, track, and board partition typesSound ratings and detailing waysFire resistance, linings, and sealsJoining services and openingsLasting, impact, and upkeepLesson 4Roofing systems: warm roof assemblies, green roofs, membrane selection and detailingThis section reviews roof systems, including warm roofs, turned roofs, green roofs, and membrane choices. It covers draining, vapour control, wind lift, and detailing at edges, holes, and links with walls and faces.
Warm and turned roof buildsSingle-ply and multi-ply membranesGreen roof layers and loadsDrainage slopes and outlet detailingWall, edge, and hole detailsLesson 5Comparative selection of main structural systems: reinforced concrete, steel frame, mass timber, hybridThis section compares main structure systems—reinforced concrete, steel frame, mass timber, and mixes—checking spans, stiffness, fire act, shake, embodied carbon, and joining with envelopes, cores, and building services.
Reinforced concrete frames and slabsSteel frames, bracing, and mixed decksMass timber frames and panel systemsMixed steel, concrete, and timber choicesSpan, shake, and service joiningLesson 6Precast and modular structural options: benefits, connections, and tolerancesThis section looks at pre-made and module structure systems, listing benefits for speed and quality, usual connection details, transport and build limits, allowances, and joining needs with bases and services.
Pre-made floor and wall system typesFactory making and quality controlConnection tools and joint detailingAllowances, bend, and fit issuesTransport, lifting, and site movementLesson 7Envelope material choices: high-performance insulation, rainscreen systems, insulated panelsThis section checks envelope material plans, comparing insulation types, rain screen builds, and insulated panels, stressing heat work, wet control, lasting, and buildable detailing for different weathers in Zambia.
Insulation types and heat propertiesContinuous insulation and heat bridgingRain screen cover layers and air flowInsulated metal and sandwich panel systemsWet, vapour, and wet build controlLesson 8Window and glazing selection: thermal performance (U-values), air-tightness, installation detailingThis section covers window and glass choice, focusing on U-values, sun control, air-tight, and fitting detailing. It explains frame choices, spacer tech, and link design to cut wet, leaks, and heat bridging.
Glass builds and low-e coversU-values, SHGC, and weather responseFrame materials and heat breaksAir and water tight testingEdge flashing and sill detailing
