Fabric strategy
The RIBA Passivhaus Overlay, published by the RIBA in 2022, states in relation to the Fabric Strategy This comprises form factor, glazing and shading and structural engineering strategies, and thermal performance requirements, as well as the Airtightness and Thermal Integrity Strategy, thermal bridge assessments and the Construction Programme. With a focus upon construction technology and buildability, develop an integrated approach which supports the airtightness strategy, thermal integrity strategy and thermal bridging mitigation strategy. Well implemented strategies avoid complexity, simplify construction, and reduce costs, avoid risks and the shorten the Construction Programme. To support this process, review plans, cross sections, longitudinal sections etc. and identify all junctions and interfaces. Consider how the building’s form and complexity impact upon the construction sequence and may compromise the airtightness testing regime, the standard of airtightness, the thermal integrity, and the extent of thermal bridging. At each stage and before work starts on site, to help ensure the right materials, plant and operatives are deployed in the right place at the right time, pay attention to the properties, characteristics and suitability of materials, products, components, and sub-assemblies, including their tolerances, impact upon interfaces, their fabrication and manufacturing techniques, their logistics (including the lifting, handling, transport and delivery methodology) and assembly. If possible, also seek to eliminate scaffolding and wet or hot works. Where appropriate, and liaising with the Passivhaus Designer/Consultant, agree which thermal bridges require calculation.”
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.