Building Envelope Commissioning: Design, Documentation, and Performance
Course Summary:
Building envelope commissioning provides a systematic process for evaluating whether the design and construction of a building envelope support the intended performance of the completed building. This presentation introduces the building envelope commissioning process and examines how design, design review, construction documentation, and building science contribute to successful envelope performance.
The program will explore the environmental control layers that comprise a building envelope, how those layers function together, and current code requirements and compliance paths applicable to envelope assemblies. Particular attention will be given to the information and details that should be included in construction documents to support design review and commissioning during the construction phase.
Participants will also examine the architect’s role in the commissioning process and consider how an understanding of building science can inform design decisions and help identify issues that may affect building performance. The presentation is intended for architects and other design and construction professionals interested in understanding the relationship between building envelope design, code compliance, documentation, and commissioning.
Presenter:
SARA RAIN STEWART, RA, BECxP, CxA+BE
Sara’s experience working in architectural firms exposed a need for increased technical knowledge and skills within the field. Sara established Avocet Design & Consulting, LLC in 2010 with the goal of filling that void. Building upon her training as an architect, through building science courses and hands-on experience, Sara has developed a rare level of expertise in the design and construction of the building envelope.
Sara has been involved in numerous projects as quality assurance inspector from Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho, a 30,000 square foot, high-end residential project near Denver Colorado, and recently the new Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center with Jaynes Corporation. She has provided design review and design assistance, focusing on envelope and acoustics, for projects such as townhomes and podium-type mid-rise buildings, in locations as diverse as Florida, New Jersey and California. Envelope commissioning projects range from a new data center at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque to a Land Port of Entry with the GSA in Derby Vermont.
1.0 LU/HSW (pending)
