Chapter Four – New Envelopes

The recent 2012/27/UE Directive has set a target for all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy by 2020. The reaching of this goal makes it necessary to adopt not only renewable sources but also highly efficient envelopes. The text highlights that thick insulation layers combined with high performing new materials and the new tendency to multiply the layers have led to the introduction of a new type of envelope in which the decrementing attitude is strongly elevated, thus configuring thermal barriers. Such envelopes could have overheating drawbacks. This chapter introduces the main new envelope typologies subdivided in two families, lightweight (platform-framed envelopes) and massive load bearing (cross-laminated timber envelopes, wood-cement solutions, clay masonries), and explores their different behavior through experimental measures and analytical extensions. Optimization solutions are identified in various climates to maximize energy saving, comfort, and global costs.

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