Building Design System: Group 4

Section: C

BUILDING MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES: APPROPRIATE SELECTION OF INTERIOR

AND EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Building Materials & Construction

1. Materials
- Only materials approved by the Commission may be used in defining constructions. Additional
materials may be added to the Compliance Manager.

Partial list of the materials currently available for construction assemblies.

❖ MATERIAL NAME
- The material name is used to select the material for a construction.

❖ THICKNESS
- Some materials, such as three-coat stucco, are defined with a specific thickness (not editable by
the compliance user). The thickness of other materials, such as softwood used for framing, is selected by
the compliance user based on the construction of the building.

❖ CONDUCTIVITY
- The conductivity of the material is the steady state heat flow per square foot, per foot of
thickness, or per degree Fahrenheit temperature difference. It is used in simulating the heat flow in the
construction.

❖ COEFFICIENT FOR TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT OF CONDUCTIVITY

- The conductivity of insulation materials vary with their temperature according to the coefficient
listed. Other materials have a coefficient of zero (0) and their conductivity does not vary with
temperature.

❖ SPECIFIC HEAT
- The specific heat is the amount of heat in British thermal units (Btu) it takes to raise the
temperature of one pound of the material one degree Fahrenheit.

❖ DENSITY
- The density of the material is its weight in pounds per cubic foot.
❖ R-VALUE PER INCH
- The R-value is the resistance to heat flow for a 1-inch thick layer.

2. Construction Assemblies
- Constructions are defined by the compliance user for use in defining the building.
- For framed constructions there is a framing layer that has parallel paths for the framing and the
cavity between the framing members. The layers that are allowed depend on the surface type.

❖ CONSTRUCTION LAYERS:
- All assemblies have a cavity path and a frame path. As assemblies are completed, the screen
displays whether the construction meets the prescriptive requirement for that component.

❖ PROPOSED DESIGN
- The user defines a construction for each surface type included in the proposed design. Any
variation in insulation R-value, framing size or spacing, interior or exterior sheathing or interior or
exterior finish requires the user to define a different construction.

❖ STANDARD DESIGN
- The compliance software assembles a construction that meets the prescriptive standards for
each user-defined construction or assembly.

❖ VERIFICATION AND REPORTING

- All proposed constructions, including insulation, frame type, frame size, and exterior finish or
exterior condition are listed on the CF1R. Non-standard framing (e.g., 24” on center wall framing,
advanced wall framing) is reported as a special feature.

 Selecting the Right Exterior Material for Your Custom Home

1. Architectural Style
- The architectural style of your home will narrow down your options for exterior materials
based on what is authentic and appropriate to that particular style.

2. Energy Efficiency
- If you are interested in saving on your energy bill, choose materials with the appropriate
insulation properties.

3. Deed Restrictions, Covenants, and HOA Guidelines

 - In some locations, your selection of exterior design and materials is dictated by a deed
restriction, covenant, or HOA guidelines.

• Deed restrictions are agreements that restrict the use of a piece of real estate that are contained,
unsurprisingly, in the property deed.
• Covenants are legal contracts that spell out what you may and may not do to the exterior of your
home. Covenants are typically found in the HOA terms rather than the property deed.
• HOA guidelines are put into place to preserve a certain level of uniformity within a development or
community.

4. Local Building Code

- Building codes often restrict materials based on their history of fire-resistance or durability
against prevailing weather or seismic conditions.

5. Weather and Environment

- The exterior materials of a home are its first defense against extreme weather events such as ice
and snow, driving rain, or high winds.

6. Impact on Insurance
- Insurance companies may have restrictions on the type of material used on the roof and exterior
to mitigate expensive replacement and repair after damage or to limit the spread of fire.

 Types of Exterior Materials

1. Stucco
- Stucco has been used for centuries and provides a distinct appearance to your home. Many
homes with stucco exteriors are designed for Modern or Mediterranean architectural styles.
- Traditional stucco is cement-based plaster containing sand and limestone and is applied to a
mesh screen, wood, or masonry walls in multiple layers. The outermost coat is the desired final color.
Stucco can be painted but adds to the required maintenance of the home.

2. Wood Siding
- Wood siding is a beautiful, time-honored exterior material available in a variety of woods
including pine, fir, spruce, redwood, cedar, and cypress. You can also select an engineered wood, which
incorporates real wood but is more durable, pre-treated against termites and rot, as well as easy and less
costly to install. Wood siding creates a timeless, natural appearance.

3. Concrete Fiber
- Concrete fiber siding is made of concrete mixed with wood fiber and designed to mimic real
wood. Fiber cement can also be designed to look like stucco or masonry. Hardicrete, HardiPlank, and
HardiBoard are brand names for concrete fiber siding. The material provides sustainability by limiting
deforestation and is exceptionally weatherproof. However, it is not as recyclable as wood is.

4. Brick
- Solid brick imparts a very traditional look to a home. Most solid brick homes have only a single
layer of brick over a wood frame.

5. Stone and Cast Stone

- Incorporating stone into the exterior of your home adds significant dimension and texture. For a
more organic natural look, consider using chop stone. For a cleaner, more modern aesthetic, go with cut
stone.
- Cast stone is a faux stone product developed to look like stone at a lower cost. It is easier to
control the shape and color of cast stone, which sometimes makes it an attractive complement to stone
exteriors. Cast stone can last 30 to 50 years.

6. Metal
- Metal siding is a versatile material that can be manufactured to appear like any other siding
material. Typically created from steel or aluminum, metal siding comes in a variety of colors,
textures, and shapes.

 Selecting the Right Interior Material

- Modern day buildings have truly understood the importance of going green and products are
the answer to incorporating reclaimed by-products to create environment-friendly materials which have
a unique aesthetic appeal as well.

 Types of Interior Design

1. Coco Tiles
- Coco Tiles are made of coconut shells. The tiles come in intricate basket weave or scalloped
designs. The backer panel is made of sustainably harvested wood and finished with low VOC-resin. The
tiles are easily cut and installed using adhesive and nails.

2. Tiles made from Leather Scraps

- Epitomizing luxury and elegance, leather has been used for a long time as a building material
for niche interiors owing to the richness and glamorous feel it gives. These are cheaper and easy to
install.

3. Fabric Wall Panels

 - Fabric panels constitute of a panel of wood that is padded with batting and foam, covered over
with a fabric.
- Fabric Wall Panels have an additional advantage over and above the aesthetics that they
provide, as they are capable of controlling reflection and reverberation of sound, thereby providing an
acoustic solution. Fabric wall panels make a room look warm and cosy.
4. Laser Cut Sheet Metal Panels
- They can be installed in an outdoor setting as a shading device, making them not only
functionally viable, but also aesthetical as they can enhance the spatial quality of the space by casting
artistic shadows as the natural light moves through the laser cut patterns. Other applications include
handrail screens, window screens, partitions etc.

5. Bronze Art Tiles

- Bronze has been used for over hundreds of years to create timeless pieces of art and
architecture. Bronze Art Tiles brings these qualities into a modern home. They are impervious to heat
and can withstand any kind of weather.

6. Laminated Resin
- Laminated Resin is a transparent resin that is formulated to remain water clear even when it is
catalysed. Laminated Resin is not prone to yellowing at all and is extremely easy to use, allowing easy
flow and fast air bubble release. It is an ideal solution for applications that require a glass exterior.

7. Eco Resin
- Eco Resin is an environment-friendly resin that is formulated to complement carbon, fibreglass
and other laminating materials. Made out of natural plants and vegetable extracts, it is clearly a
sustainable substitute for polyester resin. It is almost odourless and can be used safely in almost any
working environment.

8. Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring

- Hardwoods are vulnerable to weathering and wear and tear. Strand woven bamboo flooring is
much more durable than vertical or horizontal bamboo flooring because the cross- hatched strands act in
correspondence to keep the individual components of the material intact.

9. Cork Flooring
- It is a green resource that is renewable and can be used without contributing to deforestation.
Benefits include aesthetic appeal, good insulation properties, soft texture, tends to repel pests and dust,
and installation is very easy.

10. Resin Wicker

 - Resin wicker is the man-made version of natural wicker that is made out of a synthetic material,
mostly polyethylene. It is lightweight and easy to move; affordable; comfortable as it does not have any
sharp edges, weather resistant, resistant to pool water and chlorine, and available in a wide range of
styles and colors.

BUILDING SERVICE SYTEMS: LIGHTING

 Lighting design is an art and a science. As a science, the amounts of illumination needed and certain
aspects of the quality of light have been quantified.
 Lighting in a space is a positive force that can motivate people to be active, relaxed, productive,
lively, depressed, fearful or overactive.
 Lighting should make people important. It should create an atmosphere pleasing to the occupants
whether in an office, store, showroom or home.
 Lighting should provide visibility, character and mood as well as relate harmoniously to the space in
which it is used.

 EFFECT ON ARCHITECTURE
 Light is as much a "building material" as steel or concrete.
 Although such structural components are needed to enclose a space, it has no real existence for an
individual until it is seen and it registers in his consciousness.
 Light defines space; reveals texture; shows form; indicates scale; separates functions. Creates mood;
 Good lighting makes a building look and work the way the architect intended at all hours of day and
night. It contributes to the character, to the desired attitude toward form and space, and to the
effective functioning of that space.
 Lighting is dynamic. Change the lighting and the world around us changes.
 Light can make or break a space both functionally and aesthetically.

 EFFECT OF LIGHTING
1. PLANES OF BRIGHTNESS
- Where brightness occurs in a space establishes the character or mood of that space.
 - A ceiling left in shadow creates a secure, intimate, relaxing environment suitable for lounges,
leisurely dining and board rooms.
- High brightness on the ceiling creates a bright and cheerful or efficient and work-like
atmosphere good in coffee shops, classrooms and kitchens.

2. PLANES OF BRIGHTNESS
- With the ceiling in shadow, brightness on the vertical planes of a space draws attention to the
walls, expanding space visually; good for galleries, merchandising, lobbies.
- A pattern of varying levels of brightness can indicate direction and lead people through a space.

3. GLITTER AND SPARKLE

- Pinpoints of brightness from small exposed filaments or multiple reflection from crystal,
chrome or other shiny surfaces create a scintillating effect that heightens awareness. Glitter and sparkle
add gaiety, sophistication, elegance and festivity to a space. Whether used for dining, dancing or
merchandising, glitter can become glare without sufficient background lighting to soften the contrast.
There is only a fine line between stimulating points of brightness and discomfort glare.

4. LIGHT AND SHADOW

- An evenly illuminated space is similar to an overcast day--dull, monotonous and boring.
- Variations in brightness and the interplay of light and shadow add variety to a space; provide
visual relief and a sense of excitement.
- Scallops of light on a wall from nearby down lights, shadows on the ceiling of varying sizes
and shapes from an up light under a plant or a narrow beam of light highlighting a small sculpture,
create areas of visual interest that give character and individuality to a space.

5. LIGHT AND SHADOW

- Highlight provided by accent light creates focal points that can direct attention or communicate
an idea.
 - A lighting scheme should not be so exciting as to overwhelm or destroy the interior design, nor
so placid as to make a room dull and uninteresting.

6. MODELLING
- Shadows are essential for perceiving dimensionality.
- Three dimensional objects lighted from directly in front appear flat, but when lighted from the
side, assume depth and roundness.
- The deep shadows created by strong source from one side only cause more distortion but
because of the high contrast add to its dramatic impact.
- Free standing objects, such as sculpture, lighted from two directions with different intensities or
tints of color will appear fully three dimensional.

 LIGHTING DESIGN CONSIDERATION

The factors that should be considered in lighting any space are:
1. The SITUATION; is it a working, viewing, circulation or living space?
2. The FUNCTION; what will people do in the space? Type, study, eat, sew, or buy and sell?
3. The QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF LIGHT needed to perform tasks.
4. The ARCHITECTURE and DECOR.
5. The ATMOSPHERE or psychology of the space.
6. The RELATIONSHIP to adjacent areas.

 Day Lighting
 Day lighting is the complete process of designing buildings to utilize natural light to its fullest. It
includes all of the following activities.
 Sitting the building—that is, orienting it for optimum solar exposure
 Massing the building—that is, presenting the optimum building surfaces toward the sun.
 Choosing fenestration to permit the proper amount of light into the building,
 Taking into account seasons, weather, and daily solar cycles
 Shading the façade and fenestration from unwanted solar radiation
 Adding appropriate operable shading devices, such as blinds and curtains, to permit occupant
control over daylight admission
 Always a better source of light with good color rendering property
 Saves electricity

Disadvantages
 Along with light, heat is also to be entertained.
 Not dependable on cloudy days
 Depends on location, time, and design of windows.
 Generally the day light can extend to 2.5 times the height of window.
 KINDS OF LIGHTING
1. TASK LIGHTING is illumination from nearby sources that allows the performance of visual tasks.
It is localized light to work by.
Task lighting is one of the most important elements of commercial lighting design. Its point is to
provide the necessary illumination for the worker to perform his/her task.

2. ACCENT LIGHTING is directional light intended to emphasize a particular object or draw attention
to a pan of the field of view.
Accent lighting is an important lighting element for the architect for it allows the right emphasis
of a design element or detail that can enhance or underscore a theme or essence of his/her design. It is
also a way to focus attention on signage/art in an environment.

3. GENERAL or AMBIENT LIGHTING is background or fill light in a space that reduces harsh
contrast between pools of localized tasks or accent or that supplies a substantially even level of
illumination throughout an area.

4. Just as the background paper in a book plays an important role in our ability to read the words printed
on it, the ambient light of an architectural space provides a ground upon which the architect and lighting
designer can practice his/her art. This is an often underdeveloped element of designs and must be given
its appropriate due.
 Key Factors For Good Lighting Design
1. Illuminance: is the brightness of an object, or the strength of the light reflected from it. The
greater the luminance, the stronger the visual stimulation, and the easier the object is to see.

Iluminance requirement is based on many factors:

 Task to be performed (for minute & detailed task more light needed)
 Age of the person
 Daylight factor
 Volume


2. Brightness distribution
 Where the differences in brightness are not marked enough, however, the room makes a
monotonous impression. It is recommended here that desktop luminance should not be less than 1/3
of the luminance in the immediate surroundings. For more remote parts of the room, the difference
in luminance should be 1/5, max. 1/10.
 Bright walls: Good wall and entrance lighting helps people get their bearings in a room, makes for
better contrasts and emphasizes room zones. It also makes the room look a livelier.

3. Glare
- Glare is one of the most disturbing side-effects of lighting. Direct glare caused by marked
contrast differences between very bright and very dark surfaces or due to unshielded lamps in our line of
vision place a strain on our eyes and lead to fatigue and mistakes through loss of concentration. To avoid
direct glare from lamps, care should be taken to select only luminaries which are suitable for workplace
lighting.
 Glare limitation
- Glare is one of the most unpleasant visual problems of all. Being dazzled by a general-diffuse
lamp or the reflection of a window on a computer screen affects our visual acuity and impedes our
performance. Direct and reflected glare can be largely avoided by good room and lighting design.

4. Shadowing
 - Where there is light, there is also shadow. To ensure that shadows do not impede our view
when writing, the light should fall - for a right-handed person - from the left . If the light comes from the
right, we write in the shadow of our own hand.

5. Light and color

- The way we perceive colors under artificial light depends on the color rendering properties of
the lamps. Lamps with good color rendering properties produce natural colors ,lamps with poor color
rendering properties cause color distortion

6. Direct/indirect lighting
- Luminaries with direct and indirect lighting components permit free arrangements of desks,
reduce the risk of reflected glare and create a more agreeable lighting atmosphere.
 LIGHTING IN GENERAL
 Accent lighting + ambient lighting
 Accent lighting with floor highlighted
 Uplighters used to highlight voluminous church space.
 Accent lights downlight focus
 Indirect or diffused light
 Accent lights uplighters
 Direct lights used as highlighters these are LED lights
 Movable lights on track used to highlight art in galleries
 Task lights + accent lighting
 Lights used for decoration as well to show direction. A must for security in case of fires or
emergency.
 General lighting with task lighting . Task L. helps to use less energy and is easily controllable. Use
of dimmers further helps.
 Lights as highlighters.

 Light color and temperature

Color temperature:
 By convention, yellow-red colors (like the flames of a fire) are considered warm, and
 Blue-green colors (like light from an overcast sky) are considered cool.
 Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) temperature.
 Confusingly, higher Kelvin temperatures (3600–5500 K) are what we consider cool and
 Lower color temperatures (2700–3000 K) are considered warm.
 Cool light is preferred for visual tasks because it produces higher contrast than warm light.
 Warm light is preferred for living spaces because it is more flattering to skin tones and clothing. A
color temperature of 2700–3600 K is generally recommended for most indoor.
 2500 - Bulk industrial and security High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lighting.
 2700–3000 - Low light levels in most spaces [10 foot candles (FC)]. General residential lighting.
Hotels, fine dining and family restaurants, theme parks.
 2950–3500 - Display lighting in retail and galleries; feature lighting.
 3500–4100 - General lighting in offices, schools, stores, industry, medicine; display lighting; sports
lighting.
 4100–5000 - Special-application lighting where color discrimination is very important; uncommon
for general lighting.
 5000–7500 - Special-application lighting where color discrimination is critical; uncommon for
general lighting.

 Colour rendering index

 Colour rendering index - which describes the quality of the light on a scale of 0 to 100.
 Higher the CRI, better is the quality. All white light sources can be evaluated by color temperature
and CRI.
 Natural light is generally defined as having a CRI of 100 (perfect).
 Color temperature, however, varies a great deal due to weather, season, air pollution, and viewing
angle. For instance, the combination of sun and blue skylight on a summer day at noon is about
5500K, but if the sun is shielded, the color of the blue skylight is over 10,000K. The rising and
setting sunlight in clear weather can be as low as 1800K (very reddish). Cloudy day skylight is
around 6500K.