Building Envelope Design Guide
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) under guidance from the Federal Envelope Advisory Committee has developed this comprehensive guide for exterior envelope design and construction for institutional / office buildings. The Envelope Design Guide (EDG) is continually being improved and updated through the Building Enclosure Councils (BECs). Any edits, revisions, updates or interest in adding new information should be directed to the BEDG Review Committee through the 'Comment' link on this page.
Introduction
Below Grade Systems
Wall Systems
- Cast-In-Place Concrete
- Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)
- Masonry
- Panelized Metal
- Precast Concrete
- Thin Stone
Fenestration Systems
Roofing Systems
Atria Systems
Related Resource Pages
- Air Barrier Systems in Buildings
- Blast Safety
- Seismic Safety
- Wind Safety
- Flood Resistance
- Indoor Air Quality and Mold Prevention
- Integrity Testing for Roofing and Waterproofing Membranes
- CBR Safety
- Sustainability
- HVAC Integration
- Extensive Vegetative Roofs
- Considerations for Building Design in Cold Climates
The materials, components, and systems conveyed in these concept diagrams are intended to convey general design principles only. Any resemblance between these details and proprietary or otherwise commercially available materials, components and systems is purely coincidental and should in no way be considered an endorsement by NIBS and/or the individual authors who contributed to the content of this website.