What is building science?

Thoughts from Shelter team member Mike Stark, AIA

What is building science?

Building science is an area of study that architects and contractors apply to design and construction. It encapsulates what we know about material science (the physical and chemical properties of materials like brick, wood, insulation, siding), thermodynamics (heat transfer, pressure dynamics), and mechanical engineering (airflow, heating and cooling, moisture barriers).

Building science helps us understand how a complex system of components interact with each other and with the environment. It provides a technical framework for designing sustainable structures that optimize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall performance. It guides our design decision making on things like materials, systems, and construction techniques to minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort and durability throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Where did building science home from?

The history of building science dates back to the beginning of construction in its earliest forms. Early builders made use of natural materials like fire-burnt clay, masonry, and wood to insulate structures, promote air circulation, and regulate temperatures. Over time, advancements in materials and construction techniques, largely spurred by the industrial revolution in the 1760s, changed the way buildings were designed and constructed.

One of the biggest advancements during this period was the inclusion of built-in utility programs, such as piping (water and gas), ducts (air circulation), and wiring (electricity). Following the industrial revolution, mass production methods started to take hold. The use of wood and metal skeleton structures became more commonplace, helping to reduce construction cost and time. In the 19th century, Chicago began pioneering the world’s first iron and steel framed skyscrapers which allowed for centralized air and more efficient energy flow.

Another pivotal period in building science’s history was the energy crisis of the 1970s which sparked a shift towards even more energy-efficient building practices. This new era of frugality ushered in a wave of interest in tightening building envelopes (the separation between interior and exterior) since homeowners were hyper-vigilant about energy and gas usage. Energy efficiency suddenly became a priority for the average American, and widespread efforts in the 70s to improve the airtightness of homes eventually lead to new developments in construction practices to ensure appropriate airflow in tightly sealed structures. Today, the legacy of centuries of building science research (and trial and error) informs modern design and construction approaches we use everyday. It also guides our understanding of sustainable design.

What does building science have to do with sustainable design?

Knowing that buildings operate as a collection of many intricate systems, it’s important for us to understand how our design choices will influence these systems, their interaction with the environment, and the structure’s overall “performance”. Building performance measures things like indoor air quality and circulation, energy efficiency, envelope tightness, durability, and overall occupant comfort, all of which are tied to sustainability and longevity. Some performance standards are required by state and local building codes, and others are goals set by designers, builders, or owners aimed at reducing the environmental impact of a building.

As the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy states, building science is critical to design in that it enables the creation of, “…more comfortable, resilient, and efficient buildings”. And at Shelter, our goal is to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but that contribute to a healthier, more humane world, too.

How do we use building science as designers?

Our team integrates building science principles into every stage of our design process, from initial project exploration in the pre design phase to drawing set creation in construction administration. Building science is not just a theoretical framework; it’s a practical guide that influences how we think about many elements of our designs. By accounting for building science early and consistently in the design process, we create spaces that balance form and function.

Here are some of the building science considerations we address at each stage of the design process:

Pre design (PD)

• What existing assemblies & systems (structural, mechanical, electrical) already exist?

Schematic design (SD)

• What will the general form and layout of the new or renovated structure be?

Design development (DD)

• What will the new or updated footprint and floor plan look like? How will this impact systems in the building (structural, mechanical, electrical)?
• If the building is a new construction, how will it be positioned on the site?
• What exterior finishes will be used on the structure?

Construction documentation (CD):

• How will the walls, roof, floor, and foundation details be assembled?
• How will the different parts of the building be joined together?
• What materials will be used in the construction?

Construction administration (CA)

• Are assemblies and systems (like windows, walls, cladding) being properly installed?
• Are the specified materials being used?

How can building science be applied to the design of a custom home?

The design of the Shell Lake Cabin, a new construction project currently underway, focused on a variety of building science and performance factors as it will be receiving a Core Green Building Certification. A primary indicator of the efficiency of a structure is how tight the building envelope is (the separation from interior and exterior). A tight building envelope with appropriate ventilation reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling, increases air quality control, and promotes indoor comfort with fewer drafts and more stable temperatures.

The Shell Lake Cabin envelope is made up of four main control layers that protect the building from the elements. It takes into account the physical loads applied to the building, including sunlight, snow, rain, and wind. The order of the layers, as well as continuity, code compliance, material compatibility, and durability were all important envelope design considerations.

The building science behind sustainable design

Building science allows designers to understand what makes a structure resilient, energy-efficient, and conducive to well-being. This knowledge helps us approach design with an understanding that our choices around positioning, floor plans, and material selections (among many other factors) impact more than just the aesthetics of a space. Incorporating building science into our design process ensures the spaces we create are well equipped to improve the well-being of occupants, the longevity of structures, and the sustainability of our built environment.

Learn more about our approach to sustainable design, and read our related post “Sustainable design demystified”.