Ulrich Knaack – författare

The facade is the building's interface with its environment. It is here that building physics parameters such as heat, humidity, sound, and light interface with the building and impact on it. All these influences need to be controlled by the building envelope in order to ensure the comfort of the user and the functional capability of the architecture. This introduction explains the most important phenomena and then relates them to practical building situations – which materials react in which way to these factors? How do facade systems deal with heat, humidity, sound, and light? This practical book, which is the result of cooperation between an architect and a structural engineer, describes the most important facade materials and constructions under the aspect of their building physics performance.

Die Fassade ist die Schnittstelle des Gebäudes mit seiner Umwelt. Dort treffen bauphysikalische Parameter wie Wärme, Feuchte, Schall und Licht auf das Haus und wirken auf es ein. Alle diese Einflüsse bedürfen der Regulierung durch die Gebäudehülle, um Behaglichkeit für den Nutzer und Funktionstüchtigkeit der Architektur zu gewährleisten. Diese Einführung erläutert die wichtigsten Phänomene, um dann den Bezug zur Baupraxis herzustellen: Welche Materialien reagieren in welcher Weise auf diese Faktoren? Wie gehen Fassadensystemen mit Wärme, Feuchte, Schall und Licht um? Das praxisorientierte Buch, entstanden aus der Zusammenarbeit eines Architekten und eines Bauingenieurs, beschreibt die wichtigsten Fassadenmaterialien und -konstruktionen im Hinblick auf ihre bauphysikalische Performance.

Paper and cardboard as sustainable building materials are currently the subject of research and testing in building practice. They can be produced inexpensively, are made from renewable raw materials and are completely recyclable. The focus of its application is for temporary uses, such as in transitional buildings for schools, emergency shelters or " microhomes" . Properly protected from moisture and fire, the material proves to be strong and durable. Design and aesthetic qualities are by no means neglected, as case studies by Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban demonstrate: the Chengdu Elementary School, the Paper Concert Hall in Aquila or the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch all provided a sign of hope after devastating earthquakes. This introduction explains the basics and the technology of building with cardboard and paper and shows a wide range of exciting examples.

Paper and cardboard as sustainable building materials are currently the subject of research and testing. They can be produced inexpensively, are made from renewable raw materials and are completely recyclable. The focus of their application is on temporary uses, such as for transitional schools, emergency shelters or "microhomes". Properly protected from moisture and fire, the material proves to be durable. Design and aesthetic qualities are by no means neglected, as case studies by Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban demonstrate: the Chengdu Elementary School, the Paper Concert Hall in Aquila or the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch all provided a sign of hope after devastating earthquakes. This introduction explains the technology of building with cardboard and paper and shows a wide range of examples.

Introduction to building façades as revised editionFaçades determine the appearance of a building. Hence, they constitute a major element in architecture. At the same time, the building’s envelope has important functions to fulfil, such as lighting, weatherproofing, thermal insulation, load transfer and sound insulation. Over the past 15 years, façades have become increasingly complex – ‘intelligent’ facades, for instance, adapt to changing climate and lighting conditions. Newly developed materials and technologies have broadened the scope of façade functions. This book demonstrates the principles of façade construction. It systematically describes the most common types, such as post-and-beam façade, curtain wall, corridor façade or double façade, and provides guidelines for appropriate detailing. Numerous drawings made especially for the book explain the principles of different types of facades, which are then illustrated with built examples. For this second edition, all chapters were revised and all four examples in the case studies chapter were replaced by new material. The new chapter “Future Façades” offers insights into what’s next.

Façades determine the appearance of a building. Hence, they constitute a major element in architecture. At the same time, the building’s envelope has important functions to fulfil, such as lighting, weatherproofing, thermal insulation, load transfer and sound insulation. Over the past 15 years, façades have become increasingly complex – ‘intelligent’ facades, for instance, adapt to changing climate and lighting conditions. Newly developed materials and technologies have broadened the scope of façade functions. This book demonstrates the principles of façade construction. It systematically describes the most common types, such as post-and-beam façade, curtain wall, corridor façade or double façade, and provides guidelines for appropriate detailing. Numerous drawings made especially for the book explain the principles of different types of facades, which are then illustrated with built examples. For this second edition, all chapters were revised and all four examples in the case studies chapter were replaced by new material. The new chapter “Future Facades” offers insights into what’s next.

Eine Reise im „Reich der Mitte“ von der Perspektive der Fachgebiete Statik, Fassadentechnik und Stahlbau der Technische Universität Darmstadt.