Successful Air Barrier Installation – A Case Study
Monday, May 1, 10:00 am –11:00 am
The air barrier test of a recently completed for the University of Washington project measured at .056 cfm/sf for an envelope area of 85,250 sf. The successful test was a result of several people and processes, including preconstruction review of drawings, creating a standalone mockup prior to the building, pre-installation meetings, regular inspections by the envelope consultant, and diligent work by the installing subcontractors. This presentation will review the steps in the process and review the detailed solutions to some difficult transitions.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify multiple actions required to create a continuous envelope.
- Evaluate the impacts of different strategies to complete a successful continuous air barrier.
- Build a team dynamic of cooperation to achieve the project goal.
- Identify the tools available to analyze design geometries and materials available to solve complicated air barrier intersections.
Michael Repka, Architect, AIA, LEED AP
Hoffman Construction, Seattle, WA
Michael joined Hoffman 15 years ago practicing architecture for 10 years in Seattle and the surrounding area. In his years of practice, he developed the firm’s Quality Plan and executed internal Quality Reviews as a Project Architect, Project Manager, and Partner.
After joining Hoffman Construction in 2006, he worked on project sites coordinating subcontractors and installations, learning all the ways the details he had drawn as an architect, were incorrect. His architectural background and consistent focus on quality made him an ideal Quality Manager; first on project sites, and now corporately, helping to devise and implement a company-wide Quality system. He believes planning is the key to Quality, and is focused on Design Document Reviews in preconstruction as the earliest opportunity to control Quality on the construction site.
Michael has experience in many building types, high rise towers to below grade transit stations, and with GCCM and Design Build project delivery methods, as both an architect and contractor. A proud building science and sustainability geek, he completed the design and build of his own net-zero house in May of 2021.