Building Science 101: The Fundamentals

At Oskorp, we believe that great buildings start with great science. Over the past weeks, we’ve shared our Building Science 101 newsletter series with architects and design professionals across the U.S. The goal? To strip building performance down to its essentials and build up a clear understanding of how heat, air, and moisture shape the life of a structure.

Now that the series is complete, here’s a recap of the key lessons:

Part 1: What Building Science Really Means

When most people hear “energy efficiency,” they think insulation. While insulation matters, building science is broader—it’s the study of how heat, air, and moisture move through a building.

A well-designed envelope doesn’t just conserve energy. It:

• Prevents hidden condensation and mold.

• Eliminates drafts for occupant comfort.

• Protects materials for long-term durability.

Understanding these invisible forces is the foundation for every other performance decision.

Part 2: The Language of Insulation (λ, U, and R Values)

Architects need a clear grasp of the three metrics that define thermal performance:

• λ-value (Lambda) → thermal conductivity of a material.

• U-value → thermal transmittance through a whole assembly.

• R-value → resistance to heat flow, the inverse of U.

Together, these values explain why a poorly sealed wall can underperform even with high-grade insulation. In design, insulation is only as effective as the airtightness around it.

Part 3: Airtightness and Moisture Control

Air leakage is the silent killer of building performance. Just a tiny gap at a joint can move more moisture than vapor diffusion across an entire wall.

That’s why airtightness isn’t optional—it’s essential. Paired with controlled ventilation, it ensures healthy air exchange without energy loss or hidden damage.

Moisture management goes hand-in-hand: keeping assemblies dry through the right membranes and detailing is key to durability.

Part 4: Beyond Energy—Acoustic and Fire Performance

High-performance buildings aren’t only efficient—they’re comfortable and safe.

• Acoustic insulation reduces noise, creating quiet, livable spaces.

• Non-combustible insulation and airtight membranes slow flame spread and protect escape routes, providing crucial extra minutes in an emergency.

When energy, moisture, sound, and fire protection are considered together, the result is a truly high-performing envelope.

The Takeaway: Building Science as a Whole-System Approach

What Building Science 101 showed is simple: each factor—thermal, airtightness, moisture, acoustic, fire—matters individually, but it’s their interaction that defines building success.

As architects, understanding these fundamentals means designing buildings that aren’t just efficient today, but durable, resilient, and comfortable for decades.

At Oskorp, we’re committed to supporting the architectural community with insights and solutions that make this science practical—whether through our products or our ongoing educational efforts.