This workshop will investigate the design process for analyzing and constructing a building envelope to meet aggressive air-sealing goals for new and renovated commercial and institutional projects in cold climates. Example details from four case study buildings will be shared with a central focus on decisions, changes, best practice guidelines, thermal analysis, lessons learned and specific challenges encountered during the construction process. The final details that evolved from focused scrutiny and close collaboration between the design and construction team will be presented for two new construction projects, the Middlebury South Village Professional Office building and The Putney School Field House (net zero), as well as two renovation projects, the George D. Aiken Center at UVM and the Bennington Superior Courthouse and State Office Building (net zero ready). All of these Vermont buildings achieved exemplary levels of low air-infiltration, with one achieving a rate of 0.06 CFM50/sq. ft of exterior surface area.

3 AIA, BPI, GBCI Continuing Education Units Available.