Exterior Building Enclosures (PDF)

A comprehensive guide to the design and execution of
sophisticated exterior building enclosures

Focused on the design process for architects and related
professionals, this book addresses the design and execution of
sophisticated exterior building enclosures for a number of
commercial building types and in a variety of building materials.
It focuses on the design process by delineating enclosure basics,
the participants (owners, architects, engineers, consultants) and
their roles and responsibilities through collaboration, and
tracking the design process through construction.

This comprehensive handbook covers all of the factors that
affect the design of a building enclosure, including function,
visual aesthetics, performance requirements, and many other
criteria. In-depth case studies of projects of various scales,
types, and climate conditions illustrate the successful
implementation of exterior wall enclosure solutions in brick
masonry, stone, architectural concrete, glass, and metals.

This unique and indispensable guide:

* Defines the functions, physical requirements, design
principles, and types of exterior building enclosures

* Identifies the participants in the design and construction
process and specifies their roles and responsibilities

* Presents a step-by-step process for the design of exterior
enclosures, from defining goals and developing concepts through
creating construction documents

* Reviews the construction process from bidding and negotiation
through the paper phase to the "brick and mortar" stage

* Provides details on the properties of exterior enclosure
materials, including structural considerations, weather protection,
fire safety, and more

* Covers a variety of materials, including brick masonry, natural
stone masonry, architectural concrete, metal framing and glass, and
all-glass enclosures

Written by the technical director of the San Francisco office of
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Exterior Building Enclosures
is an indispensable resource for architects, engineers, facade
consultants, and green design consultants working on commercial
building projects.