WALLS AND WINDOW TREATMENTS 3(1+2)

Lesson 1 : Wall – A Building Envelope

Introduction

Wall is a structural envelope of a building. It determines the direction of movements and vistas. The over-all function of a wall, in conjunction with floors and roofs, is to provide a barrier between indoor and outdoor environments. It supports doors, windows, ventilators, staircase and fireplace and ensures boundaries, background, connectivity, circulation, privacy, safety and also contributes exterior and interior aesthetics.

The requirements for a wall must, therefore, relate to its ability

1. to remain in place and to be durable for a required length of time,
2. to provide the necessary barrier or filter to wind, rain, solar radiation, heat, noise, fire, particulate matter, insects, animals and even humans.
3. to transmit light (windows), while imposing a barrier to other factors; must not itself be a hazard to life or property;
4. to contribute suitably to the form and aesthetics of the building generally;
5. It should be possible achieve all the above, as far as possible at an acceptable cost, including both initial and maintenance costs.

An effort to know its purpose in a building, starts with an understanding of this element. A variety of walls are erected in a building for meeting different purpose.

• Wall-structure is the skeleton, and the interior and exterior finishes are the skin of the wall.
• The skeleton supports all the loads imposed on the walls. The exterior skin protects the exterior wall surface from the elements.
• The interior skin protects the interior wall surface from the environmental impact inside the building