Performance Validation, Inc. - Building Commissioning’s Post

Discover how masonry interiors are reshaping sustainable building practices in the article below. From reducing energy consumption to enhancing occupant comfort, learn how integrating masonry beyond exteriors can optimize building efficiency and longevity.

excerpt from Building Against the Mold: A Climate-Resilient Approach by Blaine Brownell, FAIA LEED AP in ARCHITECT Magazine "Climate change is not only accompanied by elevated temperatures and more severe weather, but also another growing problem: mold. Increased heat and storm activity are taking a toll on building envelopes, which are more likely to deteriorate and allow water intrusion. According to the U.S. EPA Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center (ARC-X), these conditions are conducive to mold and fungi growth, “increasing the likelihood of occupants’ exposure and resulting health effects.” This phenomenon is of greatest concern in humid climates, such as in the eastern half of the U.S., since high relative humidity (RH) can further encourage mold growth. And the sea level rise anticipated in coastal areas compounds the problem. Making building facades more robust is a logical reaction. In addition, a less obvious but likely more effective response is to reengineer envelope assemblies—including interior finishes—to discourage mold entirely. This is the objective of Miami-based design firm Caplow Manzano, which is reconsidering the material composition of residential building to adapt to these climate-related threats and maintain optimal occupant health." https://lnkd.in/ecw8j627

Complimentary AIA approved continuing education. This FREE course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience. AIA 1.0 LU/HSW hour LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP ID+C, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP 1.0 CE hour Skylights: Their Role in High-Performance Building Envelopes  1 hour     Well-designed and detailed skylight systems can significantly improve both building and occupant performance. This course explores the benefits, techniques, and importance of daylighting systems that utilize high-performance skylights to optimize daylighting benefits, avoid negative impacts, and contribute positively to building, occupant, and envelope performance. It examines how daylighting with skylights can help meet the requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL v2 Building Standard™. This course contains sustainable design information. www.aecdaily.com/s/lamilux

🌳 Building Sustainably with Enzo Design + Build! 🌳 Here at Enzo Design + Build , we are dedicated to creating beautiful, sustainable spaces. We’re thrilled to announce our commitment to the environment: for every project we complete, we will replant the equivalent amount of timber used. For example, in a 3m x 5m flat roof extension project previously completed, we use approximately 4.62 cubic meters of high-quality C24 timber. This includes everything from floor joists and wall framing to OSB boards and battens. To balance our environmental impact, we are planting 3 new trees for every such project, ensuring we give back more than we take. Considering that a mature coniferous tree yields about 1.53 cubic meters of usable timber, our replanting efforts will effectively replenish the wood we use. Join us in building not just beautiful extensions, but a greener future. Together, we can make a difference, one tree at a time. 🌍💚 #Sustainability #GreenBuilding #EcoFriendly #Reforestation #FutureBuilding #EnzoDesignBuild

Building Design+Construction editors bring you the top building products for the month of May. Collected across a variety of building sectors, these products block solar heat, seamlessly seal, and advance ambitious energy plans. One of the first construction projects to align with Swarthmore College’s “To Zero by Thirty-Five” ambitious energy plan, the revitalization of Sharples Dining Hall, now the Dining and Community Commons, had three guiding principles: community building, inclusivity, and sustainability. In addition to reimagining the social and dining experiences within the facility, DLR Group looked to Mid-Atlantic Timberframes for a structural solution that aligned with the project’s sustainability goals while supporting the creation of wide-open gathering spaces. The result was the incorporation of a 48-foot-span glulum truss that supports the shed dormer, glulum columns on a 24- by 32-foot grid topped with large glulum purlins, all in support of curved rafters on 16-foot centers that open up with dining space. Cross-laminated timber panels up to 48-feet long and glulam posts and beams are used to frame second level finished floor space, and the roof’s curvature is achieved with laminated deck boards up to 32-feet long. https://lnkd.in/gVr3YGPW

What are the uses for wood fibre insulation in passive house design? Wood fibre insulation is a natural and sustainable option that is increasingly being used in passive house (Passivhaus) design due to its environmental benefits and performance characteristics. Here are some key uses of wood fiber insulation in passive house design: Thermal Insulation: Wood fibre insulation provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to maintain stable interior temperatures and reduce heat loss. This is a key aspect of passive house design, which aims for high energy efficiency. Moisture Control: These natural and sustainable boards can regulate moisture effectively by absorbing and releasing it. This can help to maintain a comfortable indoor environment and prevent issues like mold growth, which is important in passive house construction. Acoustic Insulation: Wood fibre insulation has good sound-dampening properties, making it a great choice for reducing noise transmission between rooms or from outside sources. This enhances the comfort of the living space. Breathability: Wood fibre insulation is a breathable material, which means it allows for vapour diffusion through the walls. This can contribute to a healthier indoor air quality and reduce condensation issues. Sustainability: Wood fibre insulation is made from natural and renewable resources, making it an environmentally friendly choice that aligns with the sustainability goals of passive house design. Versatility: This very effective insulative material can be used in a variety of applications, such as wall, floor, and roof insulation, making it a versatile material in passive house construction. Overall, wood fibre insulation offers a range of benefits that support the energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability goals of passive house design. https://lnkd.in/ecm4VEcq #architects #passivhaus #passivehouse #architects #architecturaltechnologists #construction #insulation #woodfibreinsulation

Hey everyone! Ever thought about how important the roof over your head really is? 🏠🔨 Well, in the world of building homes, it's a huge deal! Let me share why. Imagine a house without a proper roof - it just wouldn't feel safe or cozy, right? A roof is not just for keeping the rain and snow out, but it's also a big part of how your home looks and feels. Engineers, architects, and builders work together to make sure roofs are strong, stylish, and fit the house just right. When planning a brand-new house, thinking about the roof is key. It's like the hat to your outfit - you want it to look good but also do its job. That's why the design of the roof needs your attention from the start. It affects how warm or cool your house stays, how it stands up to wind and weather, and even how much you pay for heating or cooling. Plus, it can give your home some serious style! Building a new home is exciting, but it's a big task too. Everyone involved needs to think about things like materials, shape, and how it fits with the rest of the house. It's a teamwork game where ideas, safety, and creativity come together. Remember, a great roof means a happy home!😊 For more cool insights and to keep up with the construction world, follow me here: https://buff.ly/3H8EsMw and here: https://buff.ly/3TGRHf4 and here: https://buff.ly/41IMwx7. See you there! 👋🏗️ #HomeBuilding #RoofDesign #EngineeringLife #Architecture

What are the uses for wood fibre insulation in passive house design? Wood fibre insulation is a natural and sustainable option that is increasingly being used in passive house (Passivhaus) design due to its environmental benefits and performance characteristics. Here are some key uses of wood fiber insulation in passive house design: Thermal Insulation: Wood fibre insulation provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to maintain stable interior temperatures and reduce heat loss. This is a key aspect of passive house design, which aims for high energy efficiency. Moisture Control: These natural and sustainable boards can regulate moisture effectively by absorbing and releasing it. This can help to maintain a comfortable indoor environment and prevent issues like mold growth, which is important in passive house construction. Acoustic Insulation: Wood fibre insulation has good sound-dampening properties, making it a great choice for reducing noise transmission between rooms or from outside sources. This enhances the comfort of the living space. Breathability: Wood fibre insulation is a breathable material, which means it allows for vapour diffusion through the walls. This can contribute to a healthier indoor air quality and reduce condensation issues. Sustainability: Wood fibre insulation is made from natural and renewable resources, making it an environmentally friendly choice that aligns with the sustainability goals of passive house design. Versatility: This very effective insulative material can be used in a variety of applications, such as wall, floor, and roof insulation, making it a versatile material in passive house construction. Overall, wood fibre insulation offers a range of benefits that support the energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability goals of passive house design. https://lnkd.in/e2Xzku56 #architects #passivhaus #passivehouse #architects #architecturaltechnologists #construction #insulation #woodfibreinsulation

‘Fabric First’ is a great mantra….but we don’t agree. As Passive House architects, this may be surprising. And before we get lynched by all the Passive House purists, hear us out. It is not fabric first, it is design first, fabric second. The importance of design on where we live, work and play (yeah, like the Mars bar ad…) has a profound impact on our quality of life. The saying goes that we are a product of our friends, our environment. And that includes our built environment. Studies have shown that a well-designed hospital can speed up recovery times. Meaning the better the hospital environment (light, air quality, thermal comfort, even the colour of paint on the walls) the quicker you improve. Imagine the benefits in your own home or place of work. Potentially better productivity, increased happiness, and all-around improved comfort. In Passive House design, this also means designing your home, your building, so that you harness the solar energy, without overheating. So you get the built form, the design right - which includes Passive House principles - before the fabric. Then you design the fabric. If you are thinking of designing, or renovating, your house or building; have a chat with us to see what value we can bring to your project.

A natural fit for the Aussie lifestyle, sliding doors can transform a space, opening it up to natural light and ventilation.   They are also a hard-working part of the building envelope. Choosing the right sliding door manufacturer is a crucial decision for any homeowner or architect, as it can have a huge impact on aesthetics, functionality and energy efficiency. It’s important to ‘bring the outside in’ without compromising on sustainability!   Read our latest blog for a checklist of what you should be looking for when it comes to choosing the right sliding door manufacturer, for either a residential or commercial project.   #Thermotek #uPVC #slidingfoors #windows #architecture #architects #builders #construction #sustainable #sustainablematerials #energyefficiency #sustainablewindows #energyefficiency