Since the 1990s residential buildings have shown dramatic and consistent improvement in their energy efficiency: Average energy use per square foot is down substantially, and so are average energy use per household and average energy use per household member. Remarkably, these improvements have occurred even while the average home has grown larger and the average number of occupants has declined. How do we account for this extraordinary progress, and what can architects do to continue to improve energy efficiency in residential architecture? More importantly, can they do so in a way that also intelligently manages risk, particularly the risk of water-related failures like rot, corrosion, mold, and odors? This session will present the small design adjustments — using standard materials already included in the project — that architects can make immediately, at low (or no) additional cost, to disproportionately improve air-tightness and energy efficiency in residential architecture. We will also cover what these adjustments actually look like in the field, and equip participants to respond to the most common objections to theses design changes during CA (construction administration), especially those related to constructability and cost.

Learning Objectives:

Identify and rank the major changes in residential architecture that have influenced energy consumption since the 1990s
Evaluate the relative importance of common design details in residential construction in terms of their contribution to energy performance (for example porch roofs, attached garages, windows, soffits, etc).
Make small adjustments to common existing details that disproportionately improve energy efficiency, comfort, and durability
Respond with confidence to the most common objections to the proposed performance improvements related to constructability and cost

Instructor: Christine Williamson

CEU's: 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 NAHB, 1 NARI, 1 RESNET, and 1 GENERAL