When Codes are in Conflict: Building Science and Life Safety in Wood Framed Construction Over time, changes in building codes have begun to challenge designers to meet life safety, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency requirements on wood-framed, mid-rise multi-family projects. When NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements are driving the design of the roof assembly, the […]

Masonry Thru-Wall Flashing and Key Interface Details Explore the continuity of water and air control layers in relation to masonry thru-wall flashing at critical interface details, including: base-of-wall, window sill, openings heads, shelf angle, veneer material transitions, and top-of-wall. Learning Objectives:  Understand masonry thru-wall flashing function and options  Realize how masonry thru-wall flashing coordinates with […]

Design Principles for Rainscreen Wall Systems The topic will discuss thorough understanding of the various components that lead to failure in Building Enclosures and how to prevent it with Rainscreen system solutions. The importance of structural/Hygrothermal design of wall systems and air barriers, vapor and thermal control in the walls will be presented. Owner/user benefits […]

Building Envelope Case Study: From Initial Construction Through Occupancy Join me as I recount my building envelope journey with a large four-story CMU and masonry higher-educational building for a large university in the Midwest. We will start with the initial pre-bid constructability review and go through construction and turnover. We will review the air/vapor barrier, […]

Resolving Complex Geometries for Iconic Towers: Combining Unitized and Stick Built Curtain Walls Systems in High-Rise Designs This session will explore curtain wall detailing, fabrication, testing, and installation oversight strategies for resolving complex geometries involved in iconic high-rise tower design that combine stick-built and unitized systems. It will begin with a general overview of the […]

Peeling Back the Onion This presentation is an in-depth dive into a leak investigation at a high school Industrial Arts and Horticulture Building that snowballed into a remedial architecture project and then escalated further with discoveries that raised structural red flags and created an expansion to the original scope of work. While investigating water damage, […]