March 2011 Monthly Meeting

This month’s presentation is a summary of a research study conducted by Walsh Construction Company and Building Science Corporation to evaluate highly insulated wood-framed walls for the Pacific Northwest. With changing energy codes, the 2030 Challenge and the need to reduce energy consumption, design teams and owners are considering exterior wall assemblies with ever-increasing amounts of insulation. The study evaluated exterior wall assemblies that provide a high insulating value while acknowledging the hygrothermal implications of increasing the insulating value. A series of walls was examined for overall performance factors including cost, material use, insulating value, constructability and durability.

Martin Houston, AIA, is the Quality Director for Walsh Construction Co. (WCC) in Portland, Oregon. He has a B.Arch. degree from the University of Cincinnati, holds a California architect’s license, is a LEED Accredited Professional and is trained in Building Science Thermography. With WCC since 2006, Martin’s focus includes ensuring overall building quality while concentrating on high performance envelopes and emerging technologies for building envelope commissioning and diagnosis.