Glossary
Glossary
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- A Pattern LanguageChristopher Alexander’s ground breaking book first published in 1977. It is part 2 of a 3-part trilogy about the nature of the built environment. A Pattern Language includes 253 universal patterns of human nature. Selecting and organizing the relevant patterns to solve a design problem(...)
- AbsorbtionProcess whereby a porous material extracts one or more substances from an atmosphere, a mixture of gases, or a mixture of liquids. Source: (from Gatley, Understanding Psychrometrics)
- (ACH) Air Changes per HourACH is an acronym for Air Changes per Hour and is a measurement of air infiltration. It is the total volume of air in a home that is turned over in one hour. Source: http://www.energyauditingblog.com
- Adsorption(1) Process in which fluid molecules are concentrated on a surface by chemical or physical forces or both; (2) surface adherence of a material in extracting one or more substances present in an atmosphere or mixture of gases and liquids, unaccompanied by physical or chemical change. Source:(...)
- Air BarrierA system of materials that enclose a volume of air with minimal air leakage between the enclosed air and the exterior. The effectiveness or adequacy of the air barrier can be measured by the volume of air (in cubic feet per minute) that must be added or removed from the enclosure to maintain a(...)
- Air InfiltrationUncontrolled inward leakage of air (that may contain entrained water vapor) through cracks and insterstices in any building element and around windows and doors of a building, caused by the pressure effects of wind or the effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air density. Source:(...)
- Air LeakageUncontrolled and/or unintended airflow through a building enclosure or between units of occupancy. Leakage from indoors to outdoors is known as exfiltration and leakage from outdoors to indoors is known as infiltration. Air leakage can cause indoor air quality problems, condensation, excess(...)
- Air RetarderA material or assembly that does not meet the performance requirements of an air control layer material or assembly, but that is nonetheless designed and constructed to control air flow. Source: The Passivhaus Handbook
- Air Source Heat PumpAir Source Heat Pumps absorb heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, warm air convectors and hot water in your home. It extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. It can get heat(...)
- AirtightnessThe degree of leakage of air through the thermal envelope. (See air permeability and air changes per hour, above). Airtightness is a property of a building. Source: The Passivhaus Handbook
- ArduinoArduino is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards are able to read inputs - light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message - and turn it into an output - activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online.(...)
- AsbestosNaturally occurring fibrous minerals that because of their extreme durability and fire resistance were used extensively in residential and industrial construction. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Source:(...)
- (ASHRAE) American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning EngineersA building technology society with more than 50,000 members worldwide. ASHRAE’s activities include research, standards writing, publishing, and continuing education. Its areas of interest include building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability within the(...)
b
- BeamA structural supporting member that resists loads primarily in bending. May be vertical or horizontal and made of any material or composite.
- BIM (Building Information Modeling)BIM is an intelligent 3D model-based process that equips architecture, engineering, and construction professionals with the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. The National Building Information Model Standard Project(...)
- Black Eyed Susan Plant Name : Rudbeckia fulgida Height : 2'-3" Light Conditions : Sun Blooms : Summer Color : Yellow Notes : Self Sows
- Blower DoorA machine used to test the airtightness of buildings or of smaller spaces within buildings. A blower door is mounted in an opening such as a window or door and then uses a fan to pressurize or depressurize the measured space. The more airtight the space, the less air is needed from the blower(...)
- Blower Door TestTest used to determine a home’s airtightness: a powerful fan is mounted in an exterior door opening and used to pressurize or depressurize the house. By measuring the force needed to maintain a certain pressure difference, a measure of the home’s airtightness can be determined. Operating the(...)
- Building EnclosureThe system or assembly of components that provides environmental separation between the conditioned space and the exterior environment. Note: The enclosure is a special type of environmental separator. Environmental separators also exist within buildings as dividers between spaces with(...)
- Building EnvelopeExterior components of a house that provide protection from colder (and warmer) outdoor temperatures and precipitation; includes the house foundation, framed exterior walls, roof or ceiling, and insulation, and air sealing materials. Source: Green Building Advisor
- Building MorphologyBuilding Morphology in architecture is the study of the evolution of form within the built environment.
c
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design)CAD, or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), is the use of computer technology for design and design documentation. CAD software replaces manual drafting with an automated process. AutoCAD software was the first CAD program, and it is still the most widely used CAD(...)
- CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing)CAD/CAM refers to computer software that is used to both design and manufacture products. CAD/CAM applications are used to both design a product and program manufacturing processes, specifically, CNC (computer numerical control) machining. CAD/CAM software is most often used for machining of(...)
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)CAM software is used to design and manufacture products. CAM software uses the models and assemblies created in CAD software to generate tool paths that drive the machines that turn the designs into physical parts. Source: http://www.autodesk.com/solutions/cad-cam,(...)
- CaulkingSee Sealant.