Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST)

Course Description

This course takes architects and building design professionals through the thermal transmittance calculation for multi-layered wall assemblies – step by step, layer by layer. It covers the principles of steady-state heat transfer, thermal resistance of individual layers, surface resistances, and the combined U-value methodology used in international and European practice. You’ll learn to build up a U-value calculation from external surface resistance through cladding, ventilated cavities, insulation, structural elements, and internal finishes. The course addresses repeating thermal bridges such as metal brackets and rail systems, explains the upper and lower resistance method for inhomogeneous layers, and demonstrates when numerical modelling is required instead of simplified calculation. Presented by Eugene Korch (façade engineer and IAST Programme Director), the course uses real wall build-ups from current projects to demonstrate how material selection, cavity ventilation, and bracket density affect the final U-value – and how small specification changes can push a wall assembly above or below regulatory compliance thresholds. With step-by-step calculation worksheets and comparison tables, this course is designed to help you verify U-value calculations submitted by contractors and spot the common errors and optimistic assumptions before they become built problems.