Do you own a commercial property or manage a facility? If so, have you considered the importance of building envelope planning?
The building envelope is the physical separator between the interior and exterior of a building. It consists of the roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation. Over time, the building envelope can become compromised, leading to energy loss, water damage, and other structural problems.
3 Benefits of Building Envelope Planning:
- Energy efficiency
- Structural integrity
- Increased property value
Energy Efficiency
By improving your building envelope, you can reduce energy costs.
The building envelope is one of the features responsible for keeping conditioned air inside and preventing outside air from seeping in. When it is compromised, it will result in higher heating and cooling costs.
By improving insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading windows and doors, you can save money on energy bills from heating and cooling, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Structural Integrity
The building envelope is also essential for maintaining the structural integrity of a building. Water infiltration and air leakage can cause significant damage over time, leading to mould growth, wood rot, and structural failure.
With proper building envelope planning, property owners like you can identify areas of weakness and address them before they become major problems. By repairing and replacing damaged materials, you can extend the life of the building and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Increased Property Value
A well-maintained building envelope can increase the value of a property. Prospective buyers will be more interested because it’s energy-efficient, structurally sound, and well-maintained. By investing in a building envelope restoration and planning, you can increase your property’s resale value.
Examples of Successful Building Envelope Restoration Projects:
Building envelope restoration is essential for maintaining the structural integrity, durability, and aesthetics of commercial buildings. Let’s take a look at some examples of these projects in Australia and the reasons behind them.
Examples of Building Envelope Restoration in Australia:
The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is an iconic landmark that underwent a $273 million renewal program in 2017 to protect it from water damage and pollution. The project included installing a new self-cleaning coating on its concrete shells made of titanium dioxide nanoparticles that react with sunlight and oxygen to break down organic matter and pollutants on the surface.
The coating also makes the surface more hydrophilic, allowing water droplets to spread out and wash away dirt more easily. The project aimed to preserve the building’s historical significance and enhance its longevity.
Reasons for Building Envelope Restoration:
- Protect the building from water damage and pollution
- Preserve the building’s historical significance
- Enhance the building’s longevity
The State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is another example of a building that underwent a significant restoration project between 2017 and 2019 to improve its thermal performance and energy efficiency. The project involved repairing and restoring heritage buildings, including the domed reading room, the Queen’s Hall, and the Russell Street entrance.
Additionally, the building envelope was upgraded with new insulation, double glazing, and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The $88.1 million redevelopment program aimed to make the library a more accessible and contemporary space while preserving its historical value.
Reasons for Building Envelope Restoration:
- Improve the building’s thermal performance and energy efficiency
- Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
- Preserve the building’s historical value
Conclusion
These examples show that building envelope planning and restoration is essential because of the following benefits:
- To protect the building from weathering and deterioration
- To enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal and historical significance
- To improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality
- To reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
- To Increase the value and functionality of the building
If you own a commercial property or manage a facility, building envelope planning should be a top priority.
By investing in your property’s building envelope, you can save money on energy costs, maintain the structural integrity of your buildings, and increase your property’s resale value.
If you need a building envelope restoration, contact MKJ today for a quote. Our team of experts will work with you to create a customised plan that meets your needs and budget. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in building envelope planning today and start reaping the benefits!
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