The goal of this course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the interdependence between the building envelope, environmental conditions within the building and energy performance of the building.The theoretical and physical mechanisms of heat conduction and diffusion of water vapor through the building envelope elements will be explained. The different types of building materials and their basic properties, the correct selection and qualitative evaluation of certain materials and structural systems will be studied. Students will learn the basic principles and features of field and laboratory equipment for testing the energy performance of buildings, as well as the basic properties of building materials.

At the end of this course, students will be able, on the basis of analysis of properties of construction materials and the understanding of the physical processes that control the behavior of the building envelope, to choose the most energy efficient materials. By proper selection of the system for the building envelope (facades and external walls, roofs and roofing materials), students will be able to model the performance of thermotechnical performances of building in the design process of buildings. Based on the understanding of the basic principles of field and laboratory equipment, students will be able to perform field tests and measurements, to analyze and interpret the results and to diagnose the energy performance of buildings.

Basic physical and mechanical properties of building materials, which are important for building thermotechnical performances, their functionality and durability. Classification of materials pertaining to their insulating properties, vapor permeability, bulk density, porosity, water absorption, frost resistance, etc.. Types of traditional building materials that can be used for building facades, exterior walls, floors, ceilings floors, roofing, etc.. Modern building materials and the analysis of their properties, with emphasis on their ability to improve the energy performance of buildings and their environmental suitability. Methods and laboratory and field equipment for the diagnosys of building thermotechnical performance.

In the lectures, through presentations using images, tables, charts, formulas and accompanying text, matter that is provided in the curriculum, will be explained. There should also be discussion in which all students are actively involved, as well as participation of representatives of manufacturers of building materials and equipment for field testing. In the laboratory exercises, students will actively participate in the study of basic properties of building materials and become familiar with the application and the capabilities of laboratory and field equipment for testing of energy performance of buildings.