The Building Science Podcast

In this episode of The Building Science Podcast, we dive into part 5 of 5 on the control layers that we use to separate ourselves from the external environment. This episode explores the thermal barrier and how it interacts with the other control layers.

In this episode of The Building Science Podcast, we dive into part 4 of 5 on the control layers that we use to separate ourselves from the external environment. This episode explores the vapor barrier and how it interacts with the other control layers.

In part 3 of our 5 part series, Living Inside Anywhere, we dive into the Air Control Layer of the building assembly. Although understanding the assembly as a fully integrated system is crucial, breaking things down can be useful. 

In part 2 of our 5 part series of Living Inside Anywhere, we explore the air control layer and what it means for your project.

The building enclosure is a complex system that is configured differently for every project. In this 5 part series, we'll break down each control layer and hopefully demystify it! 

Join Kristof as he discusses the ins and outs of attic ventilation. If you find this topic helpful or interesting, take a moment to dive into the resources below! 

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/all-about-attic-venting

http://buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-102-understanding-attic-ventilation

http://builditgreendallas.org/sites/builditgreendallas.org/files/www/files/rr-9801_vented_sealed_attics.pdf

http://www.structuretech1.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Early-History-of-Attic-Ventilation.pdf

What do you really know about your HVAC system? Well wonder no more. We've got you covered!

At Positive Energy, we design high performance HVAC systems. Just to be perfectly clear, we design systems that rely on Variable Capacity (VRF) HVAC equipment. 

Simply put, installers and mainstream MEP engineers launch into designs thinking about air handlers, plenums and ducts, while we start by thinking about your enclosure, your pulmonary system and health, and how your body perceives comfort. Having a carefully designed, high performance HVAC system is the most sensible way to deliver health and comfort in your home or building. Positive Energy has a team of passionate, creative, and thoughtful engineers and we love what we do. Learn more about our process, outlining the architectural and mechanical design processes to see where we’ll intersect along the way.

A quick reference mentioned in the podcast on humidity and asthma:

In our very first short episode, the show's producer rambles while gives a brief overview of building science's role in societal change and how it could affect our lives.

The PHIUS+ 2015 Passive Building Standard provides the climate-specific sweet spot where aggressive energy and carbon reduction overlap with cost effectiveness. It accounts for a full range of variables including climate zone, source energy, and costs. 

In cooperation with Building Science Corporation under a U.S. DOE Building America Grant, the PHIUS Technical Committee developed passive building standards that account for the broad range of climate conditions, market conditions, and other variables in North American climate zones. 

In this week's episode, we explore the above code practice of Passive House and its role in American architecture and building. 

Special thanks to the Austin PHAUS Chapter for their generous support of this episode.