Faculty: architecture topic : constructive system of dwelling house teacher

Reverse brick veneer – This wall system has high thermal mass and good thermal performance if coupled with effective external insulation. The embodied energy depends on the materials used: clay brick walls have higher embodied energy than concrete block walls. Clay brick walls are very durable and require little maintenance for the internal surface. The external maintenance depends on the cladding system selected, which can be fibre cement, plywood, sustainably sourced timber or corrugated steel sheets (for example, Colorbond). The cost varies from average to high, depending on mass type and cladding.
Insulated concrete (tilt-up or precast) – These have high embodied energy and high thermal mass, and high insulation values are possible. As with reverse brick veneer, they have low maintenance required for the internal surface, and the external maintenance depends on the cladding system selected; painted finishes will require higher maintenance, whereas off-form finishes are extremely low maintenance. Insulated concrete is extremely robust, and can be relocated and reused. Both types of insulated concrete have good acoustic performance. Insulated concrete walls have low construction times but are high cost.

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  Earth-bermed – These wall systems have the highest thermal mass, and also have the additional benefits of earth coupling, resulting in significantly reduced energy requirements. Insulation is not required in locations where earth temperatures are favourable. They have high embodied energy (assuming precast concrete or reinforced block walls are used). Earth-bermed homes are extremely durable but need very good robust waterproofing. They have high site impact during construction. They are high cost.
  
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  Rammed earth – These wall systems have high thermal mass and low to medium embodied energy, depending on cement content (if used). Insulation can be difficult to add unless lined externally or with insulation integrated within the rammed earth itself. The process has average to high site impact, depending on the footing system, but has minimal manufacturing impact and transport energy. Rammed earth homes are very durable but require periodic reapplication of external waterproofing. Their cost is high.
  

Low-mass walls

The most common form of low-mass wall construction uses lightweight timber or steel framing as the structural support system for non-structural cladding and linings such as timber weatherboard, fibre cement, plywood and steel. Insulated lightweight walls reduce heat loss and can have minimal embodied energy, depending on the cladding material used.
Low-mass walls have low embodied energy and generally low environmental impact. They are very durable — although maintenance is required for any painted surface.
Low-mass wall system options include:

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  Lightweight using timber weatherboard, fibre cement sheet, plywood and other sheet cladding systems have low thermal mass, but medium to high insulation values can be easily added. Lightweight cladding systems have low to medium embodied energy. They are high maintenance unless protected from weather and termites. They are suited to both off-site and on-site fabrication and have relatively low transport costs. They are low cost.
  
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