Permanent building - envelope construction

Jeannie Rueter

Green Building Analyst

Ausonio Incorporated

LEEDuser Basic Member

3 thumbs up

September 16, 2014

We have a client that wants to reduce costs for a warehouse by using a tensioned fabric structure rather than a metal building. My first thought is that it might be considered impermanent. It would have a concrete foundation and the steel frame is supposed to last 20 to 40 years. Life expectancy on the 28 oz. PVC fabric is over 20 years. Do you think this type of construction meets LEED minimum program requirements?

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Tristan Roberts

Representative

Vermont House of Representatives

LEEDuser Expert

7780 thumbs up

Tue, 10/07/2014 - 01:47

Jeannie, you're fine. That kind of lifespan is all that we ask of many building materials, unfortunately. Major projects like the Denver airport, which are definitely permanent, have that kind of roofing.