Event Description

This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of developing Passive House-level construction details applicable to commercial, residential, and retrofit projects. It is fundamentally structured around the integrated design and construction of the four primary control layers: structural, water, thermal, and air. We will illustrate how to strategically merge these layers to achieve the extremely rigorous performance standards of Passive House, which results in buildings that are dramatically energy-efficient, resilient, and provide superior occupant comfort and health. The presentation will address the critical challenge of adapting these principles across the diverse American climate zones, providing specific detailing strategies to manage varying thermal and moisture loads, including a strong focus on the avoidance of mold and condensation to ensure a healthy and durable building envelope.

The core of this session focuses on the practical execution of high-performance design, linking design integration (architectural, structural, Passive House, etc.) with on-site realities. Key themes include achieving durable air sealing and understanding drying potential as vital components of long-term building health and safety. Case studies and detailed analysis will cover complex junctions and envelopes for new construction and retrofits, emphasizing work sequencing and cost-effectiveness to make high-performance building accessible and feasible. This comprehensive approach ensures that design and construction professionals gain actionable knowledge to deliver projects that meet demanding performance targets while considering project-specific goals and construction logistics.

Learning Objectives -

1. Analyze the integrated role of the four primary control layers (vapor, water, thermal, and air) in Passive House design to prevent material degradation and ensure a durable, moisture-managed building envelope across different American climate zones.
2. Evaluate project goals, performance metrics, and cost-effectiveness to prioritize and integrate the essential Passive House principles—such as continuous insulation and thermal-bridge-free detailing—into the interdisciplinary architectural and structural design process for commercial, residential, and retrofit projects.
3. Identify high-risk conditions for mold and condensation within complex building details and apply specific air sealing and vapor management strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring superior indoor air quality and building durability.
4. Develop robust, buildable construction details that account for work sequencing and construction logistics while maintaining continuity of the air and thermal control layers, enabling effective quality assurance for achieving certified Passive House performance levels.