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Module 7 - Building Envelope Systems
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Feb 15, 2025 5:42 AM
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Feb 15, 2025 5:47 AM
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- Wall Systems—Exterior Walls (including materials and thermal properties)
- South-facing curtain wall system on three edges of the building. These walls on L1 are partially below grade based on the topography designed for the site. Make up approximately 50% of the total building envelope; high-performance, low-e, double-glazed system designed to optimize daylight penetration while minimizing solar heat gain and glare. Lower floors with curtain walls (L1-L3) are to be 60% spandrel / 40% vision glass to enhance insulation where heat loss is more critical. Upper floors (L4-L5) are to be 30% spandrel / 70% vision glass to maximize natural light where solar heat gain is less of a concern. The L1 curtain wall sections are partially below grade, benefiting from the thermal mass effect of the earth to moderate temperature fluctuations.
- The walls facing North and West are reclaimed/salvaged wood cladding over rigid mineral wool insulation (R-20+)—provides a warm aesthetic and aligns with sustainability goals. Low-carbon brick (fly ash or recycled content)—adds thermal mass, improving passive heating in winter and stabilizing indoor temperatures. Prefabricated insulated panels—offers high R-values and airtightness, reducing heating and cooling loads. Continuous insulation (R-20+) for thermal resistance. Airtight membrane to reduce infiltration/exfiltration and optimize HVAC performance.
- Glazing & Openings—Windows, Curtain Walls, Skylights
- Fixed skylights on elevator shaft with glass elevator, positioned to enhance natural daylight in vertical circulation spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting and offering continuity in the experience.
- Glazing on windows that minimizes UV light, solar heat gain, glare, and reflectivity while maximizing VLT. Low-e, double glazed.
- Shading & Sun Control—Roof Overhangs, Window Shelves, Fins, and Shade Screens
- Mechanized shading system on glazed roof & L5 curtain walls: considering motorized external louvers or motorized fabric shades. Louvers are preferred for long-term durability and dynamic solar control.
- Additional passive strategy (if needed): horizontal fins at upper curtain wall edges could further mitigate peak summer heat while allowing winter sun penetration.
- Floor—Interior Floors & Slabs, Decks & Terraces
- 9 ft between B-L5 floors, and the 5th floor has a 19 ft ceiling. Half of the roof on L5 is glazed with high-performance EnergyStar-certified glass to provide a bright, comfortable gathering space. It provides an indoor terrace effect and lighting directly down through the atrium.
- Roofs—Including materials and thermal properties, green roofs
- The green roof reduces urban heat island effect, improves stormwater retention, and enhances insulation (R-40+ for the roof assembly). Closed-cell extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation (R-40+) to prevent heat loss and reduce snow accumulation. Root-resistant, cold-flexible membrane under the soil (synthetic rubber roofing membrane like EPDM) to prevent cracks from freeze-thaw cycles.
- Snow handling: NYC’s snow load requirement is 20 psf according to Figure 1608.2 (ICC Digital Codes). Lightweight engineered soil/green roof collaboration with Brooklyn Grange. Support via reinforced concrete and steel framing in the roof, aiming for 30 psf total.
- Sloped glazed roof above the atrium connecting to level 5 captures low-angle winter sun, improving daylighting and passive heating. Snow bar on sloped glazed roof to prevent avalanche.