Akira Window Connection: Pathways to Thinner Exterior Walls

Akira Window Connection – a market ready punched window installation method that nearly eliminates window transition thermal bridging. This innovation helps reduce wall thickness, embodied carbon emissions, construction cost, and meet performance-based energy targets. In partnership with Northern Facades and Cascadia Windows, we will discuss maximum window size results from the secondary structure analysis, and 3-D thermal simulation results. Also, unveiling facility mock-up water penetration resistance test results by Cascadia Windows and lessons learned to address water management and airtightness. Review how Akira Window Connection allows a high-rise retrofit to reduce exterior insulation from 10-inches to 6-inches thick by eliminating heat loss at window transitions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn about innovative window installation design – improving constructability and maximizing performance intended for larger buildings suitable for combustible / non-combustible construction.
2. Participants learn about best practices for water management and airtightness detailing with Akira Window Connection with lessons learned from laboratory testing conducted at Cascadia Windows. This includes water penetration resistance testing in accordance with ASTM E1105.
3. Participants learn how innovative window installation design can address affordability and lower energy demand simultaneously.
4. We will explain to participants on how they can access 3D thermal simulation results and data sheets for free at ThermalEnvelope.ca to incorporate into their next project.

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Cody Belton, AScT, P.Tech, CPHD, Passive House Specialist + Building Enclosure Consultant, Stantec Consulting

Cody is a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD) and Building Enclosure Consultant. Bringing over 16 years of collective experience as a Building Enclosure Consultant, he has dedicated the past eight years to practicing as a Passive House Specialist. In this capacity, Cody provides consultation and implementation of Passive House design strategies for new building construction and retrofit projects. He coordinates design teams and develops custom building enclosure design packages for a range of building typologies. He is keen to share his insights and continue his learning to advance sustainable building practices for communities across Canada and US. Most recently, Cody was a proud speaker at the 2023 Passive House Network Conference in Denver, CO, and 2024 Annual Passive House Canada Conference in Victoria, BC.