For the opening presentation of the 2010-2011 Portland BEC season, we thought it appropriate to begin with some building science basics. Mr. Ariel Levy, P.E., of RDH Building Sciences, Inc., will take a somewhat off-directional and (possibly) entertaining twist to this topic. He will present some different perspectives on the classical heat, air, and moisture control functions, including some side commentary on current building code and general industry practice that may not be all that consistent with general building science principles.

The October meeting will continue the theme of Building Science Basics with a look at below grade waterproofing systems, strategies, and details.

Austin Sloat, AIA is a board member of the Portland BEC and is a principal at Neumann Sloat Architects LLP, a firm specializing in building envelope consulting and remedial design.

Practical Tips & Traps for Better Building Enclosures Presented by Lew Harriman Thursday October 28, 2010 12-1PM PST A joint effort of the American Institute of Architects and the Building Enclosure Council

The University of California San Diego is has commissioned the design of a new 177,000 square foot Health Science Research Laboratory on its main campus in La Jolla, CA. Based the on the experience and the mission of the institution, one initial goal for the project was to create as nearly as possible a daylight-autonomous laboratory building. The goal was subsequently refined to include the design and optimization of a façade system that yielded the maximum daylight benefit with minimal cooling penalty.

The use of glass and fenestration as part of the building enclosure material/system has become a significant consideration and component in today’s building design. Glass in a building enclosure is used as the medium that breaks down the visual/psychological barrier between the interior and exterior of a building. Glass introduces natural daylight into a space and provides views of the outside while it simultaneously keeps the forces of nature to the exterior.

An unbiased discussion and presentation of scenarios and criteria that are encountered when designing and installing roofing systems. The primary goal of this program is to introduce a way of thinking that will enable designers to select the proper system for the application and to become familiar with some of the more common roof system types used in the Northwest. This seminar is provided by Professional Roof Consultants, Inc. (PRC); a roofing, waterproofing and building envelope consulting firm located in Portland, Oregon.

Chris Benedict, using examples of her own work, will talk about the evolution of the system approach to building design and the profound position that the building enclosure holds as a part of that system. She will lay out her perspective on building enclosure fundamentals, including the management of air, water, vapor, light and heat and discuss how mechanical systems and materials can be refined, reduced or eliminated, while building performance is enhanced, when the relationships within the system are clearly understood.

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.

Walsh Construction will be administering a whole building blower door test between 7 AM and 4 PM on Saturday. The building is located between Quimby and Raleigh and 13th and 14th. Please check in at the job trailer on Raleigh between 13th and 14th. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Marty Houston directly @ 503-5##-####.

This month Mark Campion will present information on the application of continuous insulation in walls per the 2010 Oregon Energy Code requirement.