building envelope
The envelope of a building, also called the building shell, includes the structural elements of a building that encloses a conditioned space. The building envelope is the structure that separates and protects the building's occupants from outdoor conditions. It's a major factor in determining a building's energy use.
The components that make up a building envelope include:
Innovative building envelope technologies currently under development will make tomorrow's buildings more efficient, durable, comfortable, and adaptable than ever. It's also important that these materials and products ultimately complement a whole-building design approach.