ABSTRACT

The design and construction of new residential buildings is a complex process that involves a diverse community of stakeholders. The successful development of a building from concept to occupancy must include focus on the building envelope as an integral part of the process.

Each member of the stakeholder group has a diverse set of expectations and priorities for the building envelope which each feels should take precedence throughout the design, construction and ownership process. These expectations include issues related to operating conditions, technical feasibility, "constructability", durability, initial construction cost, and life cycle cost.

Building envelope professionals who participate in building projects require an astute awareness of stakeholder perspectives. This can be a daunting balancing act considering the often competing interests of the various groups. The key is knowledge, risk management, communication and the authority to act.

This paper will discuss the different interests and expectations competing on a residential building project to promote a better understanding of the issues affecting the stakeholders and help all parties establish and achieve realistic and appropriate performance expectations.

This paper will present information obtained from members of the stakeholder community through interviews, on-the-job experiences, and a full-day education seminar prepared and presented on behalf of BCBEC and APEGBC in January 2004. The interpretations and opinions of the authors will form the underlying conclusions for the paper based upon their collective corporate experience working in the field.