What does the building envelope refer to in construction?

The building envelope refers to the outer elements that enclose conditioned spaces within a structure. This includes walls, roofs, windows, and doors, which serve as the barrier between the interior environment and the exterior climate. The building envelope is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency, controlling air flow, and ensuring thermal comfort. It plays a significant role in protecting the building's interiors from weather elements, such as wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations.

In addition, a properly designed and constructed building envelope helps to minimize energy use for heating and cooling, contributing to overall sustainability and reducing operating costs. Understanding the building envelope's components is essential for effective design and maintenance in construction, as it directly impacts a building’s performance and comfort for its occupants.