This three-hour course focuses on the methods, and strategies related to developments in fenestration, that design professionals can use to maximize energy efficiency in their designs.

There are specific design strategies and building components that architects and engineers can utilize to reduce fossil fuel consumption and heating and cooling costs.

Participants will explore the delicate balance between maximizing natural light and minimizing solar heat gain, utilizing tools like energy modeling and daylight simulation. From understanding the physics of heat transfer to navigating National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels, the content creates a roadmap for selecting the right products for the right application.

The curriculum is organized into three distinct sections: strategic window and door design and placement, designing windows to meet energy efficiency goals, and designing doors for performance. Learners will delve into advanced topics such as electrochromic glass, bird-friendly design principles, and the nuances of Passive House standards for residential entries.

Key learning objectives include:

• Mastering strategic window and door placement based on building orientation, wind roses, and climate-specific daylighting patterns.
• Analyzing key performance metrics including U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) to optimize envelope efficiency.
• Evaluating frame materials and glazing technologies, such as fiberglass, thermally broken metal, and low-emissivity coatings.
• Implementing design strategies that reduce bird collisions through glass treatments and screening.
• Understanding the sustainability implications of door selection, from commercial revolving doors to material health in interior applications.