3. Thermal Bridge Elimination & ISO 10211 Finite Element Modeling
Because structural steel possesses higher thermal conductivity than timber or masonry, thermal bridge management is the core discipline of high-performance CFS engineering. SerVilla applies a strict "continuous thermal envelope" methodology, ensuring no metal component ever makes direct physical contact with ambient outdoor cold.
Critical Building Physics Details
- Stud Flange Decoupling: Continuous exterior insulation (100-160 mm EWI] encapsulates all outer steel flanges. The linear thermal bridge effect across studs is reduced to near-zero (ΔU <= 0.01 W/m²K].
- Window Reveal & Sill Detailing (Ψ <= 0.015 W/mK]: Windows are mounted in the plane of the continuous insulation using thermal brackets. The frame is overlapped by 30 mm of exterior insulation, eliminating perimeter thermal leaks.
- Slab-to-Wall Foundation Interface (Ψ <= 0.020 W/mK]: High-density XPS perimeter skirting wraps the exposed concrete slab edge, meeting the wall insulation without a thermal gap.
- Balconies and Cantilevers (Ψ = 0.000 W/mK]: Structural penetrations for balconies act as enormous cooling fins. SerVilla designs exterior balconies as freestanding, thermally decoupled post-and-beam assemblies that never pierce the conditioned envelope.
EN ISO 10211 FEA Modeling & fRsi Verification
All architectural junctions are modeled in compliance with EN ISO 10211 using 2D/3D finite element heat flux software. The internal surface temperature factor is certified at fRsi >= 0.75 (comfortably exceeding the 0.70 statutory mold threshold], guaranteeing that surface temperatures stay above 18°C even at -10°C external winter temperatures.