Applied Studies (APST) 470

Overview

APST 470: Building Envelope and Assemblies focuses on the application of building science principles to the design of building enclosures. This course examines various elements that mediate between the interior and exterior environments, both above and below the ground, in manners appropriate to their intended function and performance. Case Studies of building enclosures and their components illustrate the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of building materials and building processes. Wall sections and other building details are used to identify strategies to achieve sustainable and high-performance buildings in various climates.

Course Outline

Principles of Building Envelope Design

• Unit 1: Building Envelope Design Basics
• Unit 2: Management of Heat, Air, and Water Vapour

Part Two: Detailed Building Design – Wall Systems

• Unit 3: Management of Water Movement
• Unit 4: Rainscreen Wall Assemblies with Heavyweight Cladding
• Unit 5: Rainscreen Wall Assemblies with Light-Weight Cladding
• Unit 6: Glazed Curtain Wall Assemblies
• Unit 7: Wall Assemblies: Other Wall Systems and Elements
• Unit 8: Windows and Doors
• Unit 9: Roof Assemblies

Part Three: Detailed Building Design – Other Systems

• Unit 10: Managing Building Movement and Connections 1
• Unit 11: Managing Building Movement and Connections 2
• Unit 12: Construction Documents and Specifications

Learning Outcomes

After you have completed APST 470, you should be able to

1. Design a complete high-performance building envelope system, at a conceptual level, for a given set of conditions.
2. Design a building envelope assembly through the application of qualitative and quantitative analysis of proposed performance.
3. Evaluate methods and materials of construction in a range of applications.
4. Illustrate the appropriate application of construction materials and methods for a range of building design scenarios.
5. Evaluate existing buildings conditions and identify methods for their improvement.

You will find that the assignments and the study questions in this course are formulated to challenge you to respond in a manner that demonstrates the ability and level of understanding stipulated in these overall objectives.

Evaluation

Your work in this course will be evaluated based on 4 assignments and the final examination. Assignments 1 is worth 15% of your final course grade.  Assignment 2 is worth 20%, and Assignment 3 is worth 25% and Assignment 4 is worth 15%.  The final examination will cover the entire course and is worth 25% of your final grade. The minimum passing mark for the final exam is 50%. This information is summarized in the table below.

PART/ACTIVITY OR ASSIGNMENT	Portion of Total Grade
Assignment 1	15%
Assignment 2	20%
Assignment 3	25%
Assignement 4	15%
Final Exam	25%
Total Grade	100

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Online Materials

Course Home Page (online): The course home page houses all the online components of your course.

Study Schedule (online): The study schedule on your course home page includes the Course Information, the twelve units of the Study Guide, links to the online readings, and links to your assignments.

Course Information (online): The Course Information provides specific information about how to proceed through the course. Read the Course Information carefully before you begin reading the Study Guide.

Study Guide (online): The Study Guide units are embedded in the Study Schedule on the course home page.

Assignments (online): The assignments are on the course home page, along with helpful instructions.

Undergraduate Student Handbook (online): The Undergraduate Student Handbook contains essential information on administrative and academic procedures for students.

Forms: Forms you may need are available through the myAU portal.