The Building Enclosure

What Will You Learn?

The Enclosure course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of building envelope systems, focusing on cold-formed steel framing, cladding, curtain walls, roofing, doors, and windows. This course explores structural and environmental considerations, ensuring students gain expertise in weatherproofing, thermal insulation, and construction methodologies.

By completing this course, you will:

• Develop expertise in cold-formed steel framing and structural enclosure methods
• Learn cladding materials, installation techniques, and durability considerations
• Gain skills in curtain wall systems, glass, and glazing applications
• Understand roofing systems, insulation, and waterproofing methods
• Master the coordination of doors, windows, and hardware for complete enclosures

Course Lessons and Projects

Topic 1: Enclosure Overview

This lesson introduces students to building enclosure principles, weatherproofing, and thermal performance.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding building envelope functions and performance criteria
• Managing moisture control, air barriers, and thermal insulation
• Evaluating wind loads, structural loads, and material resilience
• Coordinating enclosure systems with architectural and structural components
• Ensuring compliance with energy efficiency and sustainability standards

Project: Develop a building enclosure analysis, evaluating moisture, insulation, and structural integrity.

Topic 2: Cold-Formed Steel Studs

Students will explore the role of cold-formed steel framing in exterior wall construction.

Skills Learned:

• Designing cold-formed steel wall assemblies and framing layouts
• Managing connections, fasteners, and load-bearing considerations
• Understanding thermal bridging and insulation integration
• Evaluating fire resistance, corrosion prevention, and durability
• Coordinating steel framing with cladding, doors, and window openings

Project: Develop a cold-formed steel stud framing layout, ensuring proper connections and load-bearing capacity.

Topic 3: Cladding

This lesson focuses on cladding materials, installation techniques, and weather resistance.

Skills Learned:

• Selecting cladding materials based on performance and aesthetics
• Understanding installation techniques for metal panels, EIFS, and masonry veneers
• Managing thermal and moisture control in cladding systems
• Coordinating cladding attachments, fasteners, and expansion joints
• Ensuring compliance with fire resistance and durability standards

Project: Design a cladding detail section, incorporating insulation, air barriers, and attachment systems.

Topic 4: Curtain Wall

Students will explore curtain wall systems, glazing, and aluminum framing applications.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding curtain wall design principles and load transfer methods
• Managing aluminum framing components, anchors, and fasteners
• Evaluating thermal performance, condensation prevention, and drainage systems
• Coordinating glass types, coatings, and shading devices
• Ensuring curtain wall integration with surrounding structural elements

Project: Develop a curtain wall detail, ensuring proper attachment, drainage, and thermal insulation.

Topic 5: Roofing

This lesson covers roofing systems, waterproofing methods, and insulation strategies.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding low-slope and steep-slope roofing systems
• Managing roof waterproofing membranes, flashing, and drainage solutions
• Evaluating insulation strategies for thermal and moisture protection
• Coordinating roof penetrations, skylights, and equipment supports
• Ensuring compliance with wind uplift, fire resistance, and code requirements

Project: Develop a roof system section, incorporating insulation, waterproofing, and drainage components.

Topic 6: Doors, Frames & Hardware

Students will explore door and frame installation techniques, hardware selection, and security considerations.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding door and frame materials, finishes, and fire ratings
• Managing installation techniques for metal, wood, and glass doors
• Evaluating security hardware, access control, and egress requirements
• Coordinating weather seals, thresholds, and automatic operators
• Ensuring compliance with ADA, fire codes, and safety regulations

Project: Create a door and hardware schedule, ensuring proper specifications for security and accessibility.

Topic 7: Windows, Glass & Glazing

This lesson focuses on window installation techniques, glass selection, and energy performance.

Skills Learned:

• Selecting window types, framing materials, and glazing options
• Managing thermal performance, shading, and UV protection
• Evaluating glass coatings, laminated and insulated glazing units
• Coordinating window integration with cladding and air barriers
• Ensuring compliance with energy codes, wind resistance, and durability

Project: Develop a window detail section, incorporating framing, glazing, and weatherproofing components.

Key Skills You Will Walk Away With

• Proficiency in building enclosure design and weatherproofing techniques
• Expertise in cold-formed steel framing and exterior cladding systems
• Ability to design curtain walls, glazing systems, and insulated assemblies
• Skills in roof system coordination, waterproofing, and drainage design
• Hands-on experience in detailing doors, windows, and hardware for secure enclosures

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for professionals and students looking to develop expertise in building enclosure systems and construction methodologies. It is suited for:

• Students & Recent Graduates: Build expertise in building enclosure applications for professional use
• Aspiring Architectural Designers & Engineers: Learn building envelope design and performance considerations
• Aspiring Construction Project Managers: Gain expertise in cladding, roofing, and glazing coordination
• Aspiring Structural Engineers & BIM Technicians: Strengthen knowledge of curtain wall systems and framing layouts
• Aspiring Facade Consultants & Energy Specialists: Improve weatherproofing, thermal performance, and sustainability knowledge

With the increasing demand for high-performance enclosures and sustainable building solutions, proficiency in The Enclosure course provides professionals with a competitive edge in building science, architectural detailing, and construction project execution.