Course detail

Building Physics Assessment

FAST-BHA066-AAcad. year: 2026/2027

This course introduces students to practical approaches in building physics. Emphasis is placed on understanding construction requirements and their application in design, focusing on real-world needs. The goal is to prepare students to independently evaluate and design building structures from the perspective of thermal performance, acoustics, and lighting.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Institute of Building Structures (PST)

Offered to foreign students

Of all faculties

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Not applicable.

Aims

Knowledge
  • Understands principles of building physics (thermal performance, acoustics, daylight).
  • Familiar with laws and standards (ČSN, decrees, etc.).
  • Knows evaluation procedures for thermal protection, acoustic comfort, and indoor environment quality.
  • Understands simulation tools for thermal, moisture, acoustic, and daylighting performance.
  • Understands the relationship between design and physical properties.
Skills
  • Can perform basic building physics assessments.
  • Identifies critical construction details.
  • Designs improvements for energy, acoustic, and lighting performance.
  • Uses simulation tools independently.
  • Interprets and applies analysis results in design.
Competences
  • Designs and evaluates construction solutions independently.
  • Proposes construction modifications to meet physical parameters.
  • Communicates results effectively.
  • Collaborates on integrated project teams.
  • Adapts to new trends in building physics and sustainable design.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Building Act No. 283/2021 Coll. (EN)
DARULA, S. et al. Daylight Illumination. ČKAIT, 2024 (EN)
Decree No. 131/2024 Coll. on building documentation (EN)
Decree No. 146/2024 Coll. on construction requirements (EN)
Valid ČSN and EN standards (EN)
VAVERKA, J. et al. Building Physics I & II. VUTIUM, Brno (EN)

Recommended reading

ASHRAE Handbook – Fundamentals., ASHRAE, most recent edition (updated every 4 years). (EN)
Baker, N., Fanchiotti, A., Steemers, K., Daylighting in Architecture: A European Reference Book. James & James, 1993. ISBN 978-1873936525. (EN)
BOŠOVÁ, D. Building Physics II, ČVUT, 2019 (EN)
CIBSE Lighting Guide LG10: Daylighting and Window Design. Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, UK. (EN)
Cowan, H. J., Building Acoustics. CRC Press, 2017 (reprint of 1993 edition). ISBN 978-1138470132. (EN)
Green Roofs: Ecological Design & Construction, Earth Pledge (EN)
Hens, H., Building Physics – Heat, Air and Moisture: Fundamentals and Engineering Methods with Examples and Exercises. Ernst & Sohn, 2012. ISBN 978-3-433-03041-4. (EN)
Hopkins, C., Sound Insulation. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007. ISBN 978-0750669246. (EN)
CHMURNÝ, I. Thermal Technology of Buildings, STU (EN)
KÜNZEL, H.M. Simultaneous Heat and Moisture Transport…, Fraunhofer IBP (EN)
PETRÁŠ, D. Low-Temperature Heating…, Jaga (EN)
PREGIZER, D. Passive House Principles, Grada (EN)
Straube, J., Burnett, E. Building Science for Building Enclosures. Building Science Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0-9755127-1-2. (EN)
TYWONIAK, J. Low-Energy Houses, Grada (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPA-SIS Bachelor's 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory, profile core courses

Type of course unit

 

Exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to the course, goals, rules, project selection, software overview
  2. Selection and consultation of critical details; steady-state analysis of construction sections
  3. Multidimensional temperature field – steady-state
  4. Transient evaluation of selected building parts
  5. Presentation of thermal performance results, discussion
  6. Analysis of noise and vibration sources
  7. Sound insulation study
  8. Acoustic study
  9. Presentation of acoustic results, discussion
  10. Daylighting and sunlighting of interiors
  11. Impact assessment on surroundings
  12. Presentation of daylighting results, discussion
  13. Final project presentation and evaluation

Self-study

52 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer