Building enclosures, or building “envelopes,” are the essence of why humans build structures — to provide shelter from the elements. From the foundation to the roof and façade, the building enclosure encompasses all conditions in which our inhabited spaces meet the exterior environment: earth, light, air and water. All materials and constructed assemblies, including window glazing, roofing materials, insulation materials and foundation sealers, play a key and — in the case of airports — potentially decadeslong role in the performance and resultant comfort that is sought out and expected when entering and traversing them during our travels.
