External Envelope - Functions


External Envelope - consists of the materials and components which form the external shell or enclosure of a building. These may be load bearing or non-load bearing according to the structural form of the building.


Structure - Component Parts and Functions


  1. DOMESTIC ESTRUCTURES
  2. FRAMED ESTRUCTURES


Structure - Finishes

Finish - the final surface which can be self finished as with a trowelled concrete surface or an applied finish such as floor tiles.

  1. EXTERNAL WALLS
  2. INTERNAL WALLS
  3. FLOORS
  4. STAIRS
  5. CEILINGS 
  6. ROOFS

Superstructure and Secondary Elements

Secondary Elements - completion of the structure including completion around and within openings in primary elements.
  1. EXTERNAL WALLS 
  2. INTERNAL WALLS
  3. FLOATING FLOORS
  4. CAVITI FLOORS
  5. FLOORS TRAPS FLOORS 
  6. BALUSTRADES 
  7. SUSPENDED  CEILINGS
  8. ROOFLIGHTS

 

Superstructure and Primary Elements


Superstructure - can be defined as all structure above substructure both internally and externally.

Primary Elements - basically components of the building carcass above the substructure excluding secondary elements, finishes, services and fittings.

Typical Examples


Substructure


Substructure - can be defined as all structure below the superstructure which in general terms is considered to include all structure below ground level but including the ground floor bed.

Typial  Examples


The Structure - Basic Forms


1. SOLID CONSTRUCTION
2. FRAMED OR SKELETAL CONSTRUCTION
3. PANEL OR BOX CONSTRUCTION
4. FOLDED PLATE  CONSTRUCTION


Shells Roofs - these are formed by a structural curved skin covering a given plan shape and area.

1. DOME OR ROTATIONAL SHELL
2. PENDENTIVE DOME
3. TRANSLATIONAL DOME
4. BARREL VAULT
5. CONOID SHELLS
6. HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID
7. SPACE DECK
8. SPACE FRAME
9. TENSION CABLE STRUCTURE
10. TENSION MEMBRANE STRUCTURE




The Structure - Basic Types

1. SIMPLE SUPPORTED BEAM
2. BUILT-IN BEAM
3. CANTILEVER BEAM
4. PROPPED CANTILEVER
5. STRUT
6. VERTICAL STRUT
7. TIE
8. ARCHES
9. POST AND LINTEL
10. PLANE FRAME

Built Environment - Physical considerations

1. Natural contours of land.
2. Natural vegetation and trees.
3. Size of land and/or proposed building.
4. Shape of land and/or proposed building.
5. Approach and access roads and footpaths.
6. Services available.
7. Natural waterways, lakes and ponds.
8. Restrictions such as rights of way; tree preservation and ancient buildings.
9. Climatic conditions created by surrounding properties, land or activities.
10. Proposed future developments.


Built Environmental Considerations

1. Planning requirements.
2. Building Regulations.
3. Land restrictions by vend or lessor.
4. Availability of services.
5. Local amenities including transport.
6. Subsoil conditions.
7. Levels and topography of land.
8. Adjoining buildings or land
9. Use of building.
10. Daylight and view aspects

EXAMPLES
HOUSES, FACTORIES, ORIENTATION ASPECTS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Environment = surroundings which can be natural, man-made or a combination of these.

Built Environment = created by man with or without the aid of the natural environment.

ELEMENTS OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
ELEMENTS OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (EXTERNAL)
ELEMENTS OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (INTERNAL)