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Book Description

An understanding of building physics is fundamental for the design and construction of safe, functional, energy efficient buildings. Without it, occupants’ health and comfort is compromised, energy bills become unmanageable, or the building fabric itself can fail. But it’s not just about providing a heating source or stopping the cold coming in; at the heart of building physics is a fine balancing act: how much ventilation will be required for the occupants and how can that be provided without compromising the thermal performance? How will the layout and fenestration affect light levels and cooling demand?

How Buildings Work provides construction professionals with a clear understanding of the basic mechanisms of physics and how they affect the performance and operation of buildings. Heat, air, moisture, sound, light and radioactivity are explained in turn, yet all the while reminding the reader that none of these phenomena can be considered in isolation when designing a building. Whether you’re a student trying to get your head round the basics, or a seasoned practitioner looking for a quick refresher course.

Table of Contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Contents
  5. About the Author
  6. Acknowledgements
  7. Preface
  8. 01 Heat
    1. The Fundamentals of Heat
    2. Assessing heat transfer through the building fabric
    3. Controlling heat transfer through the fabric
    4. Assessing thermal mass
    5. Whole building energy performance
    6. Heat in the bigger picture
  9. 02 Air
    1. The Fundamentals of Air
    2. Air and the building fabric
    3. Air and the building occupants
    4. Ventilation
    5. Air in the bigger picture
  10. 03 Moisture
    1. The Fundamentals of Moisture
    2. Moisture and the building occupants
    3. Moisture and the building fabric
    4. Controlling surface condensation
    5. Controlling interstitial condensation
    6. Moisture in the bigger picture
  11. 04 Sound
    1. The Fundamentals of Sound
    2. Sound, people and buildings
    3. Controlling intrusive sound
    4. Controlling reverberation
    5. Sound in the bigger picture
  12. 05 Light
    1. The Fundamentals of Light
    2. Light, people and buildings
    3. Lighting buildings
    4. Light in the bigger picture
  13. Glossary
  14. Bibliography
  15. Endnotes
  16. Index
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