Comment better envelope is more than insulation (Score 5, Insightful) 80
(Full disclaimer: I'm an architect.)
Wrapping a building in an exterior "jacket" is only a small part of the larger building envelope. We've been hearing about insulation forever, but real professionals have been dealing with the larger building science issues of condensation, humidity entrapment and control, thermal bridging of intermediate conductive fasteners (brick anchors, nails, screws, etc.), even the embarrassingly large amount of bulk water that invades most buildings past parapets, flashings, windows, even brick cladding itself.
The Grenfell Tower fire was, in part, brought about by cladding added to an existing building. Not only was the new insulation highly flammable, but so, too, was the exterior cladding panel itself. Plus, they didn't fire block very well, so the whole installation acted as a massive chimney drawing new oxygen to the fire as it burned.
The fine article is missing any detail drawings whatsoever, but I'd say this idea is as new as a 1970's This Old House episode. Talk to an architect that understands building science and you might learn more about solutions that will help you in your specific climate. For example, here in North Carolina, our problem is humidity, not thermal control. Air leakage (and thereby, vapor) is arguably 10x more contributing to energy costs, indoor air quality (mold, pollen, insects, etc.), and comfort.