Abstract

The thermal performance of building envelopes plays a fundamental role in sustainable architecture and energy efficiency. Among the governing principles of heat transfer, Fourier’s Law remains one of the most important physical models for understanding conductive heat flow through construction materials. However, its relevance today extends beyond engineering calculations and contributes to broader discussions concerning climate-responsive design, environmental adaptation and energy consumption reduction. This conceptual mini review examines the application of Fourier’s Law in sustainable building envelope design, emphasizing the relationship between thermal conductivity, insulation performance and passive architectural strategies. The discussion also critiques contemporary envelope trends that prioritize aesthetics over environmental performance. The study argues that conductive heat transfer analysis should be considered not only as a technical operation but also as an essential principle in sustainable architectural thinking.