The air barrier test of a recently completed for the University of Washington project measured at .056 cfm/sf for an envelope area of 85,250 sf. The successful test was a result of several people and processes, including preconstruction review of drawings, creating a standalone mock-up prior to the building, pre-installation meetings, regular inspections by the envelope consultant, and diligent work by the installing subcontractors. This presentation will review the steps in the process and review the detailed solutions to some difficult transitions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify multiple actions required to create a continuous envelope.
2. Evaluate the impacts of different strategies to complete a successful continuous air barrier.
3. Build a team dynamic of cooperation to achieve the project goal.
4. Identify the tools available to analyze design geometries and materials available to solve complicated air barrier intersections.

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Michael Repka, Architect, LEED AP, Quality Manager, Hoffman Construction Company

With nine years of architectural experience, and twenty years in construction, Mike Repka brings a unique perspective to design and construction quality management, emphasizing thorough planning to ensure materials are installed correctly the first time. He prioritizes early project involvement, leading preconstruction drawing and specifications reviews to ensure documents are complete, coordinated, and constructible, before construction begins. His preconstruction reviews focus on building envelope, statistically the largest source of remedial work and claims on buildings. As the project transitions to the construction phase, he works closely with project teams to identify all potential risks, and develops quality plans to mitigate these challenges, ensuring quality execution in the field.

Mike has worked on diverse, complex building types including high-rise towers, college campus laboratories, and underground transit stations, applying lessons learned from the past to every future project. He has presented at ABAA events, Building Enclosure Council Meetings, and Design Quality Conferences, on topics such as successful air barrier design and installation, best practices communicating among design teams and contractors, and the risks and responsibilities of subcontractors when submitting shop drawings.