Building Enclosure Performance Research— Applications in Professional Practice

As design professionals pursue aggressive energy goals in the creation of new and renovated buildings, the building enclosure plays a critical role. Conventional practice methods do not support the depth and types of analysis required to meet these goals. This paper explores the potential of building enclosure research and innovative consulting services to provide the analysis needed for achieving aggressive performance objectives. An overview and discussion of professional applications is provided for three research areas that are being covered in associated BEST3 papers: complex fenestration research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, daylighting analysis research by the University of Washington Integrated Design Lab, and human thermal comfort simulation research at the Center for the Built Environment at UC Berkeley.

Window systems have the potential to improve overall building performance, but require a design and analysis process that includes daylighting management and solar heat gain control to reduce energy use and support occupant comfort. Daylighting is an essential element in architectural design, but a more engaged process of simulation and analysis is needed to realize its performance potential. Analysis of complex glazing assemblies with diffusing and shading characteristics is important to accurately understand their daylighting and solar control implications. Evaluation of human thermal comfort in perimeter zones is complicated due to the impact of dynamic climate forces on window systems. The thermal comfort simulation method described here offers promise for more accurate assessments. By engaging with research and unique consulting services to address the complex issues raised by the pursuit of exceptional energy performance, optimal design solutions can be realized.