What is Building Envelope Consulting?

by Walter Hartnett

A building envelope consultant articulates the technical connection and architectural expression of an enclosure system in the context of the whole building design.

Building enclosure systems present the greatest opportunity for architectural expression, sustainability, and reduction of energy use in the built environment. As specialty consultants in building envelope, sustainability, and energy efficiency, Vidaris accentuates the balance in design and construction by leveraging the appropriate building envelope technologies in delivering a resilient, economical, and sustainable enclosure.

 

There are competing needs for a project among objectives for budget, schedule, design, and performance. We help to reconcile the attributes necessary in delivering high performance in balance with the intended design and budget. As consultants, we know how to communicate these complexities and shepherd our projects through the phases of design and analysis, testing and verification, and commissioning and quality assurance in the field.

Vidaris has focused services related to building enclosure and building system performance, bringing together a unique set of skills to projects unmatched in the industry. It is the connection between energy and envelope that sets us apart. Whether the project seeks lowest cost for its design and simply wants to meet code, or would like to achieve a LEED rating, we understand what is required, how to best implement, and can provide the analysis to back it up and modelling that will stand up to scrutiny. Through this platform we have helped teams achieve success for their projects that desire maximum visual impact, connection to the outdoors, and high-performance façade systems that play into a building’s sustainable and flexible work or living space.

Walter Hartnett, PE, is the New England regional director at Vidaris.