Building façades play a critical role in shaping energy performance, occupant comfort, durability, and architectural identity. This course explores how façade and cladding systems influence building efficiency through thermal control, daylighting, solar management, and material selection. Participants will examine performance-driven design strategies that balance aesthetics with measurable building outcomes, while also considering constructability, code compliance, […]

Poorly detailed and designed parapets can lead to significant building degradation if not monitored. To enhance the quality and longevity of this critical juncture, there are a few specific design criteria for parapet detailing we need to consider. The discussion regarding what to include should start during the design phase, as early decisions can significantly […]

Clear documentation can facilitate the coordination and leverage the unique expertise of each team member. We will highlight common oversights or omissions in design drawings, specifications, and construction of air barrier systems that may lead to issues on site, and we will discuss best practices for developing these documents to clearly show the design intent […]

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 […]

The roof to wall intersection is the junction where building aesthetics meets structural performance, air and moisture management, energy efficiency, construction trade sequencing, and operational maintenance. At such a critical interface, proper parapet detailing, installation coordination, and execution are paramount. How do you achieve performance at the roof to wall interface without compromising the aesthetics […]

Today’s buildings face increasing complexity due to multi-layer assemblies, multiple trades, limited field training, tight schedules, and higher performance expectations, all within cost-sensitive projects. In contrast, earlier buildings were simpler, relied on skilled apprenticeship models, and were designed to lower performance standards. Modern occupants demand precise environmental control, high indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and […]