MID-RISE CLADDING: not too tall, not too short!

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Mid-rise buildings, from about 5 to 20 stories, present a series of special challenges for cladding systems. They are large and tall enough that they require heightened performance but with limited access for maintenance. While these are large buildings, they likely aren’t quite the scale to justify a custom curtain wall. There are numerous issues about speed of erection and site logistics that influence system selection. Scaffolding becomes expensive and slow so systems that are finished upon installation are preferred. This presentation will explain the enclosure systems typically used for a mid-rise building and the reasons why.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand the special performance and logistical considerations for a mid-rise building enclosure that make them different from more common low-rise buildings but not always suitable for typical high-rise curtain wall solutions.
2. Review the common types of enclosure systems for mid-rise buildings and the reasons for their use. Compare systems that need scaffolding with those that don’t. Investigate differences between curtain wall and window wall. Compare CW/WW systems against other panelized wall assemblies such as pre-cast and pre-framed metal stud walls.
3. Evaluate the energy impact of the enclosure on the overall building energy consumption. Review relative impacts of daylighting, heat gain/heat loss, glare control, radiant comfort, drafts and HVAC integration. Review the impact of the new 2015 and 2018 energy codes on system selection, especially fenestration to opaque wall ratios.
4. Assess the pros and cons of the “Design Assist” delivery method common with cladding for mid-rise buildings and identify some key features for success.
SPEAKER: David Altenhofen
SPONSOR: RWDI