Material Groups

External Material

The water control layer is a vital part of the building envelope, designed to protect against environmental elements like rain, wind, and sun. Positioned on the exterior of the building, it acts as a barrier to prevent moisture from penetrating the structure. By keeping water out, it helps maintain the building’s integrity, avoiding issues such as mould, decay, and structural damage. Typical materials include weather-resistant membranes, sealants, and protective coatings.

Concrete/Masonry

Concrete and masonry are dense, durable materials used throughout the structure of a wall. Concrete, a mix of cement, water, and aggregates like sand or gravel, creates a solid base with excellent load-bearing strength. Masonry refers to construction using units like bricks, blocks, or stones held together with mortar. Both provide fire resistance, stability, and long-term durability.

Panel

Panels are composite systems typically made from a rigid foam core encased between structural layers, such as metal or timber. These panels offer strong thermal insulation and structural support, making them ideal for efficient, lightweight construction in walls, roofs, and floors.

Mass Timber

Mass timber is made from layers of solid wood bonded together to form strong, load-bearing components. Known for its environmental benefits, aesthetic appeal, and strength, it’s increasingly used in modern construction for walls, floors, and roofs as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete.

Bracing

Bracing elements are used to strengthen a building against lateral forces, especially wind loads. These systems may include diagonal bracing, shear walls, or moment frames, all designed to improve structural stability during extreme weather or seismic activity.

Air Cavity

An air cavity is the ventilated space between layers in an exterior wall system. It improves drainage and air movement, helping to reduce moisture buildup and prevent mould. This ventilation zone creates a buffer that supports the longevity and performance of the building envelope.

Bridged Air Cavity

A bridged air cavity incorporates framing elements like battens or rainscreen systems between the cladding and the structural wall. This setup enhances both thermal performance and moisture control, allowing for effective drainage and added insulation.

Composite

Composite systems combine framing and insulation in a single layer, offering structural integrity along with thermal efficiency. These integrated systems help speed up construction and improve overall energy performance.

Membrane

A membrane is a thin but critical layer that manages water, vapour, and thermal transfer. It prevents water infiltration, controls vapour movement to avoid condensation, and can also contribute to the building’s thermal performance when used with other insulation layers.

Insulation

Insulation is a key thermal control layer, reducing heat and sound transfer between a building’s interior and exterior. It supports energy efficiency and indoor comfort, and is available in various materials like fibreglass, foam, and mineral wool, each offering different thermal resistance levels.

Internal Material

Internal materials form the innermost layer of the building envelope and serve several functions, from thermal and acoustic control to moisture management and visual appeal. This includes finishes like plasterboard, paint, acoustic panels, and decorative surfaces, all contributing to a functional and comfortable interior environment.