AE 200 Enclosure Design Studio
March 2023 – April 2023
Created with Ezan Khan, Tommie Luo, and Michelle Vuong
The Existing Building Lab examined the facade of Environment 1 (EV1), built in 1966, to assess its thermal and moisture performance. Using building drawings and infrared imaging, the study confirmed poor insulation, air leakage, and signs of water damage, especially in classrooms.
Although EV1 includes continuous insulation, the layer is thin and provides only a fraction of the thermal resistance required by today’s standards. This results in significant heat loss and higher energy costs during winter months.
Water resistance was also lacking due to the use of parging instead of modern waterproofing methods. This contributed to moisture issues and damage in interior spaces, reinforcing the need for a facade upgrade to improve both energy efficiency and durability.
Related to: EV1 Reclad: EV1: Existing Building Lab