Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 8: Building Envelope 8 - vii SUMMARY This publication provides guidance on selection of the building envelope for single- storey buildings. The building envelope is generally formed of secondary steelwork (often cold-rolled steel members) and some form of cladding. In addition to providing a weathertight barrier, the envelope may also have to meet thermal, acoustic and fire performance requirements. In some arrangements, the building envelope may have an important structural role in restraining the primary steel frames. The document describes the common forms of cladding for single storey buildings, and offers advice on how an appropriate system is specified. The document also describes the systems of secondary steelwork that support the cladding.