This is where we define the fabric of the building and to do this the IESVE uses constructions (e.g. external walls, roofs, external glazing, etc.) comprised of material layers (e.g. brick, slate tiles, glass, etc.). A construction defines the thermal properties of a building element such as a wall, ceiling or window. It consists of a number of layers of different materials, together with thermal properties of the materials, surface properties and other attributes used in thermal analysis.
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There are two main thermal classes of construction, Opaque and Glazed, with different parameter sets. Two extra classes are defined for use in the cost planning and life cycle software – Hard landscaping and Misc. Further classes may be added in future. These classes are further broken down into categories – external walls, partitions, internal windows, roof lights and so on.
