Construct Canada Seminar, 2010

ABSTRACT

Curtain walls provide a controlled interaction between the environment surrounding a building and the occupants or processes within it. In some cases, we wish to achieve total segregation; in others, we choose to let daylight, solar energy, air and other elements into the building under controlled situations. These elements are obvious sources of heat loss and heat gain in existing commercial buildings. Options to improve thermal control are more limited than in new design and construction. This session will examine curtain wall design and construction options and ways to optimize the microclimate interaction around a building. Reference will also be made to the interaction between an HVAC system, natural light, lighting systems, and the building envelope. How do all of these elements directly affect the health, safety, durability, comfort, and energy efficiency of the structure?